Syrian opposition backs Turkey’s planned operation

By Nilay Kar Onum </p> <p>ISTANBUL (AA) – The National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces (SMDK) has voiced support for Turkey’s planned military operation in Syria, east of the Euphrates River, near Turkish borders.</p> <p>In a statement, Abdurrahman Mustafa, head of the coalition, said the Syrian people continue to suffer at the hands of the Bashar al-Assad regime forces, as well as Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, Hezbollah and the PYD.</p> <p>Any military operation to eliminate these terror groups &quot;will be welcomed and supported by us,&quot; Mustafa said, adding: &quot;We are working with our Turkish ally to liberate all cities and towns from the control of terrorist forces.&quot;</p> <p>He also stressed that all the Free Syrian Army members stand ready to cooperate and join in the upcoming military operation.</p> <p>&quot;We share this view with the Turkish Republic the separatist projects and terror constitute a direct threat to Turkey’s national security as well as to Syria’s territorial integrity and unity,&quot; he added.</p> <p>On Wednesday, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that within days Turkey would launch an operation east of the Euphrates to clear the region of PKK/YPG terrorists.</p> <p>Previously, Turkey launched two successful anti-terror operations since 2016 to foil the formation of a “terror corridor” along Turkey’s border.</p> <p>In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK — listed as a terrorist organization 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 is its Syrian branch.