National Security Council Says Syria Offensive to Continue, Urges US, Russia to Fulfill Agreements

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Turkey will continue its military operation in northern Syria "until its goals are reached,'' the National Security Council stated last night (November 26) after its monthly meeting at the presidential complex in Ankara.

The "Operation Peace Spring", launched last month, "which contributes to peace and stability in the region, will continue until it reaches its goals while taking all precautions to prevent harm to civilians," the council said.

The council, chaired by President and Justice and Development Party (AKP) Chair Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, also said that Turkey expects the US and Russia to fulfill their agreements with Ankara as soon as possible to clear Kurdish forces from areas of northern Syria, including Tal Rifat and Manbij.

"We call on the international community to support Turkey, which aims for the safe and voluntary return of Syrians to their country without any discrimination based on ethnicity or religion," the council also said.

Turkey on Oct. 9 launched Operation Peace Spring to remove Kurdish People's Defense Units (YPG) from northern Syria and establish a "safe zone" to repatriate millions of Syrians refugees.

Under two separate deals with the US and Russia, Turkey paused the operation to allow the withdrawal of YPG from the planned northern Syria safe zone.

But Ankara claims that the group has failed to withdraw from some areas and continue to attack both soldiers and civilians.

The council also "condemned decisions about the events of 1915 based on false and unfounded claims," likely referring to a recent US House of Representatives resolution on the subject. (EKN/VK)