TASS. Ankara is not going to ask for anybody’s permission to defend its territory from terrorist attacks and will continue its operation against the Kurdistan Workers’ Party forces based in neighboring Iraq and Syria, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday.
“Turkey will ask for no one’s permission to defend its territory and repel external threats. No one should be concerned over Turkey’s efforts and its operations to expand the security and tranquility belt,” he said referring to his country’s plans of a ground operation in northern Syria geared to establish a 30-kilometer buffer zone.
According to Erdogan, Turkey is able to ensure its security by itself and will continue efforts in this direction.
“The terrorists’ time is running out. The concrete tunnels they are now hiding in will become their graves,” he stressed.
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Erdogan said earlier that following the air operation launched on November 20, Turkey plans to begin a ground operation in northern Syria. This matter was discussed at a government meeting on Monday and at Defense Minister Hulusi Akar’s meeting with the Turkish army command.
According to the local mass media, Turkish army units deployed to the areas bordering Syria have completed preparations for a ground operation and are waiting for a go-ahead.