Turkey 'intensely' prepping for new counter-terror op

By Sarp Ozer </p> <p>DOHA, Qatar (AA) – Turkey is preparing “intensely” for a counter-terrorist military operation in Manbij and parts of Syria east of the Euphrates River, said the country’s defense minister on Thursday. </p> <p>Speaking during his visit to Turkish forces in Doha, Qatar’s capital, Hulusi Akar said: “We have Manbij and east of the Euphrates ahead of us right now. We’re working intensely in this regard.”</p> <p>Terrorists are said to be “digging some trenches and tunnels in Manbij and east of the Euphrates. Whatever they dig, trenches or tunnels … when the time comes they will be buried in the trenches that they dig. On this there should be no doubt.” </p> <p>Last week Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said a counter-terrorist operation could begin &quot;at any moment&quot; east of the Euphrates River, stressing that Turkey would never allow a “terror corridor” to be established along its border.