Turkey ‘intensely’ preparing for operations in N Syria: Defense minister

ŞANLIURFA - Anadolu Agency

Turkey’s preparations for a possible operation in Syria in the east of Euphrates are continuing “intensely,” Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said on Jan. 11 on a visit to Turkey’s border with Syria.

“We have Manbij and the east of Euphrates [River] ahead. Necessary plans have been made regarding this. Our preparation continues intensely,” Akar said, noting that Turkey was “determined to end terrorism wherever it is.”

Turkey’s only target is ISIL, the PKK and the YPG, the minister said. “We have no problems with our Kurdish and Arab brothers in Syria, Turkmens and other ethnic and religious groups,” he added.

The minister stressed they will not allow a “terror corridor” to be established near the southern Turkish border. Turkey is in efforts both on the field and the table for efforts against terror, he said.

His inspection on the border comes amid the Turkish government’s repeated warnings for a possible military incursion into the east of Euphrates to target ISIL and the YPG.