Turkey’s parliament had authorized on Thursday military operations outside Turkish borders if the government deemed them “necessary”

Turkey's parliament had authorized on Thursday military operations outside Turkish borders if the government deemed them “necessary.”

The government had sought parliamentary approval to send soldiers to foreign countries in a memorandum which said that "aggressive action" by Syria's armed forces against Turkish territory posed a “serious threat” to national security.

The mandate, valid for one year, was passed by 320 votes in the 550-seat Turkish parliament, it added. The Turkish Parliament had witnessed intense discussion among different parties over the military escalation against Syria.
Not a Declaration of War
Turkey's deputy prime minister, Besir Atalay, said authorizing the use of force in Syria is not a declaration of war but is intended as a deterrent.

Atalay said on Thursday that Syria has admitted it was responsible for shelling that killed five civilians on Turkish soil and has apologized. The deputy premier also said Syria assured that "such an incident would not be repeated."