UPDATE – Turkey to launch op. east of Euphrates 'any moment'

UPDATES WITH MORE QUOTES FROM TURKISH PRESIDENT; EDITS THROUGHOUT</p> <p>By Diyar Guldogan</p> <p>ANKARA (AA) – Turkey will launch a counter-terrorist military operation in Syria, east of the Euphrates River, at any time now, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday.</p> <p>&quot;We can start our operation any moment now in Syrian territory at any place, especially along the 500-kilometer border, without harming U.S. soldiers,&quot; Erdogan told an opening ceremony in the central Konya province.</p> <p>Erdogan said the army has completed preparations for the planned operation, adding that Turkey will do &quot;what is necessary&quot; to foil terror corridors east of the Euphrates River.</p> <p>&quot;We spoke to [U.S. President Donald] Trump. These terrorists have to leave areas east of the Euphrates. If they do not leave, we will dispatch them. Because they are disturbing us,&quot; he added.</p> <p>Erdogan reiterated that Turkey will not allow a terror corridor along its borders. </p> <p>&quot;I’m not just saying this … Now it’s time for the area east of the Euphrates. Listen, those who are protecting terrorists in the region: You're making a mistake. Let's give up [protecting them],&quot; the president warned.</p> <p>Erdogan said Turkey's fight against terrorism in Syria will continue until fresh elections are held and a comprehensive political solution is reached in the country.</p> <p>A mission east of the Euphrates, which Turkey’s leadership has been suggesting for months, would follow two successful cross-border Turkish operations into Syria since 2016 — Operations Euphrates Shield and Olive Branch — both meant to eradicate the presence of YPG/PKK and Daesh terrorists near Turkey’s borders.</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.

Against Turkey's objections, the U.S. has worked with the PKK/YPG, calling them “allies ” in fighting Daesh, but ignoring their terrorist status.

The U.S. has expressed concerns about the safety of its soldiers in a possible Turkish operation, but Erdogan and U.S. President Donald Trump last week spoke about Syria, in the runup to the operation.