This is an entry from: LIVE BLOG: Latest from war in Syria
Turkish official: Jarablus offensive originally planned for June 2015
25 August 2016 16:26 BST
A Turkish official has told journalists that Turkey originally planned the offensive into northern Syria for June 2015 and that it had to be delayed it for three reasons:
1. The US didn't believe the plan was feasible at the time citing an insufficient number of rebel fighters.
2: The downing of the Russian jet in November 2015 meant air cover couldn't be provided.
3: What have now been revealed as Gulenist elements in the military, including the chief of special forces General Semhi Terzi, blocked proper planning by repeatedly saying the Turkish armed forces weren't prepared to carry out such an offensive.