NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Monday defended his stance on Turkey's military operation against YPG terrorists in northeastern Syria, say
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Monday defended his stance on Turkey’s military operation against YPG terrorists in northeastern Syria, saying that the military alliance should not lose its unity in the fight against Daesh.
Splits in the military alliance have emerged after NATO member Turkey began its operation in Syria last week, with EU governments threatening sanctions against Ankara. Stoltenberg visited Istanbul on Friday.
“We must not put in jeopardy the gains we have made against our common enemy,” Stoltenberg said at a session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in London, in answer to questions from French and Italian delegates who had challenged what they described as his conciliatory approach to Turkey.
“Turkey is important for NATO … We risk undermining the unity we need in the fight against Daesh (Islamic State).”
Turkey says Syria op is being conducted ‘within framework of international law’
Turkey’s ongoing operation in northern Syria is “within the framework of international law,” Turkish justice minister said on Monday.”Turkey continues with this operation stemming form the international agreements, within the framework of international law,” Abdulhamit Gul said in France’s Strasbourg.Turkey has no eye on other countries’ territories, he said and added: “Our main aim is to fight against terror elements”.Video: Turks in USA support Turkey’s operation in N SyriaOn Oct. 9, Turkey launched Operation Peace Spring to eliminate terrorists from northern Syria in order to secure Turkey’s borders, aid in the safe return of Syrian refugees, and ensure Syria’s territorial integrity.Ankara wants to clear northern Syria east of the Euphrates River of the terrorist PKK and its Syrian offshoot, the PYD/YPG.In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK — listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S., and the European Union — has been responsible for deaths of 40,000 people, including women, children and infants.Turkey is important for NATO, says StoltenbergErdoğan sees no issues in Kobani after Syrian deployment, welcomes US withdrawal
Turkish drones hit YPG/PKK with pinpoint accuracy
Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) struck YPG/PKK terrorists who plan to target civilian settlements in Turkey’s southern borders, the National Defense Ministry said on Monday.The ministry said on Twitter the “baby killer” YPG/PKK terrorists were replenishing ammunition to target civilian settlements in Turkey before the country’s armed drones stepped into action.In a video footage shared by the ministry, a van stands next to a tunnel used by terrorists to load ammunition which would later target civilians. Then, armed drones hit the van with pinpoint accuracy.Turkey says ‘won’t stop’ until it reaches its goal in SyriaDaesh detainees flee as YPG/PKK sets camp on fireYPG/PKK terror group, since Turkey launched Operation Peace Spring, has frequently targeted civilian settlements in the country’s southern borders.The terror group has fired hundreds of mortar shots at Turkish provinces neighboring Syria and 18 civilians have so far been killed by terrorists’ indiscriminate attacks. Scores of civilians including infants have been injured in those attacks.Turkey takes control of strategic highway in SyriaAt least 24 YPG/PKK terrorists surrender to Turkish forcesTurkey on Oct. 9 launched Operation Peace Spring to eliminate terrorists from northern Syria in order to secure Turkey’s borders, aid in the safe return of Syrian refugees, and ensure Syria’s territorial integrity.Ankara wants to clear northern Syria east of the Euphrates River of the terrorist PKK and its Syrian offshoot, the PYD/YPG.In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK — listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S., and the European Union — has been responsible for deaths of 40,000 people, including women, children and infants.US prepares to evacuate troops from northern Syria
Erdoğan sees no issues in Kobani after Syrian deployment, welcomes US withdrawal
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Monday urged fellow NATO countries to support Turkey’s military operation, which was launched last week against the Syrian branch of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, the PYD, in northern Syria.Speaking to reporters before traveling to Azerbaijan, Erdoğan said Turkey would implement its plans for the northern Syrian town of Manbij and settle Arabs there. He also said a U.S. move to withdraw some 1,000 troops from northern Syria was a positive step.Erdoğan added that does not think any problems will emerge in Syria’s Kobani after a Syrian army deployment is executed along the border, adding that Russia’s Vladimir Putin had shown a “positive approach.”Turkey says ‘won’t stop’ until it reaches its goal in SyriaPKK’s violent actions increase in Europe: TurkeyAt least 24 YPG/PKK terrorists surrender to Turkish forces