Deputy PM Canikli on Euphrates Shield: Four Soldiers, 16 FSA Members killed

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Following a cabinet meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Nurettin Canikli held a press conference to answer questions about the day’s agenda.

The cabinet meeting, held under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan yesterday (September 7) in the Presidential Palace in Beştepe, covered domestic and foreign security as well as evaluations and negotiations of the G20 Summit, according to Canikli’s statement.

July 15 coup attempt discussed at G20

Describing Erdoğan’s negotiations with the heads of governments and states from the US, Russia, Canada, South Africa, Australia, Germany and India, Canikli said;

“In these meetings, we exchanged detailed information about the Syrian issue, terror and the July 15 coup attempt that Turkey faced, and clearly explained our expectations of each country, because there is an attempt by certain circles in western countries and at the international level in general to create a different perception about the July 15 coup attempt. For that reason, it is crucial to explain what has happened in full and realistically".

Syria operation by Turkish Armed Forces and Free Syrian Army

With regards to operation by the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) and the Free Syrian Army (FSA) in Syria, Canikli noted;

“By now, a total area of 772 km2  has been cleared of DEAŞ (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) and is under the control of the Free Syrian Army

“As of the 15th day of the operation, we unfortunately have four martyrs, and 19 injured personnel. Four of our tanks have been heavily damaged and one armoured combat vehicle lightly damaged.

“The Free Syrian Army has 16 martyrs and 27 injured fighters. The terrorist organizations of DEAŞ, PYD and YPG have lost approximately 110 fighters, whilst five have been injured".

Dismissed public officials

Concerning the public officials dismissed from their positions as a part of the operations against the Fethullah Gülen Community, Canikli stated;

“If it turns out in the latest investigations that some officials have been wrongfully dismissed [...], we will appoint them to their positions again.

“On the last statutory decree, we have reopened 15 educational institutions that had been closed in accordance with the previous statutory decree on grounds of their affiliations with FETÖ (Fethullahist Terrorist Organization)" (AS/DG)