* Source and photo: Anadolu Agency (AA)
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Holding a press statement at İstanbul Atatürk Airport before leaving Turkey for Ukraine, President and ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) Chair Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has addressed the death of four soldiers in Syria's Idlib in a heavy artillery fire opened by regime forces.
"Turkey has retaliated this attack in kind and will continue to do so", President Erdoğan has underlined in his statement.
CLICK - 4 Soldiers Lose Their Lives, 9 Soldiers Wounded in Syria's Idlib
"We have responded in kind to these attacks and will continue to do so, whether it is with our artillery or mortars", President Erdoğan has said and added, "We are determined to continue our operations for the security of our country, people and our brothers and sisters in Idlib."
Indicating the the operation is still ongoing, he has also said that "according to initial reports, around 30-35 Syrians have been neutralized" and around 40 points are among the constant targets of the operation.
He has added that as of 6.15 a.m. today (February 3), 46 regime targets were hit by 122 howitzer and 100 mortar ammunition.
Erdoğan has also indicated that that they have spoken with the authorities in Russia regarding the situation in Idlib and have told them to avoid confronting Turkish forces in the area during the operation.
Addressing the authorities in Russia, Erdoğan has said, "It is not directed to you, but entirely to the regime. Do not make any attempts to confront us." The operations of Turkey are ongoing based on the frequent meetings between Turkey and Russia, Erdoğan has added. (AÖ/SD)
