Yesterday it was reported in Turkish news how western funded mercenaries (Castle Group from memory or a similar name) were being paid by third parties (not the YPG who has no money) to train and fight for the YPG (not the SDF and there is heaps of photo evidence to confirm this). The fact western contractors were working with a US outlawed terrorist group is a big no no regardless of Turkey's obvious displeasure. It would not surprise me if these mercenaries were responsible for the ambush of Syrian government forces recently to sow chaos.
This evidence is real but unsurprising but is clearly done to be leaked now in preparing the population and state actors for another operation. This will be used by Turkey as a wedge to get more concessions from the US which is how the game is played. This is why I expect they will do the pre-saber rattling to advance their position now that Iblib will be pacified as an area of operation. The French naturally are stuck right in the middle as cannon fodder in their illegal bases in Syria for some insurgent attacks should the message not be understood.
The question is like in Afrin will the US roll over the Kurd's again to appease Turkey. I don't think it matters to Turkey they will intervene regardless on justified terrorist grounds regardless of who is a moderate or extremist given the YPG connection. However, I am curious how the state department will throw the Kurd's under the bus again as they prize Turkey more who hold better cards. Best get Damascus on side to avoid more unnecessary deaths like in Afrin I fear.
