By Sarp Ozer
ANKARA (AA) – Turkey will take new actions against terrorists across the border in Syria “when the time comes, ” the country's defense minister said on Tuesday.
“When the time comes, the necessary actions will be taken both in Manbij and east of the Euphrates, ” said Hulusi Akar, referring to a counter-terrorist operation long pledged by Turkish leaders.
Akar said Turkey's preparations for a possible operation are ready, adding: “The only target of the Turkish Armed Forces is terrorists. ”
Since 2016, Turkey’s Euphrates Shield and Olive Branch operations in northwestern Syria have liberated the region — including Al-Bab, Afrin, and Azaz — of YPG/PKK and Daesh terrorists, making it possible for Syrians who fled violence there to return home.
In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK — recognized as a terrorist group by Turkey, the U.S., and the EU — has been responsible for the deaths of some 40,000 people, including women and children. The YPG/PYD is the group's Syrian branch.
Akar also said Turkey welcomed the Kurdish Regional Government's “timely ” reactions and measures against an attack on a Turkish base in Iraq.
On Saturday, the Turkish Defense Ministry said a base belonging to the Turkish Armed Forces in northern Iraq was attacked due to provocation by the PKK terrorist group.
