Defense Minister: Turkey to Exercise Right to Self Defense in Idlib

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Minister of National Defense Hulusi Akar has made remarks on the Turkish Armed Forces' (TSK) presence in the northwestern Syrian province of Idlib at a rank ceremony held at the ministry.

Akar also announced in his speech that 17,498 people had been expelled from the TSK since the coup attempt in July 2016.

Akar said that the Syrian state, which also has the support of Russia, "continues to slaughter children, young people, women and old people with attacks carried out by air and land" and that Turkey and the TSK are trying to do their part in the best way to stop them.

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"We have always said that in order to prevent new migrations, to prevent human tragedies and to prevent radicalization, these attacks must stop as soon as possible, Mr. President stated this to Mr. Putin during his last visit to Russia.

"The TSK has 12 observation points in Idlib. The mission of our observation points there under the Astana and Sochi accords is to monitor and report on the ceasefire and stability. Within this framework, our 12 observation points perform their duties successfully. We have taken every precaution to ensure that their safety is not compromised in any way, and we continue to take it.

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"There are reports of attacks on our observation posts. There's nothing like that. However, we as TSK follow the process in a very sensitive and careful way.

"We have reminded all interested parties not to take any action against the safety of our personnel there. We have told everyone that we will use our right of self-defense to the fullest extent if damage is done to our personnel, our observation points, and we continue to say."(AS/VK)