Turkey鈥檚 counter-terrorism operation in northern Syria launched to establish a safe zone was very 鈥渟trategic鈥�, 鈥渋mportant鈥� and 鈥渢imely鈥� not only for Turkey, but also for Syria and for the stability and security of the region, Turkish Foreign Minister said Sunday.
鈥淲e want to see that the terrorists withdraw from the declared safe zone within 120 hours,鈥� Mevlut Cavusoglu said during a live broadcast on the Kanal 7 news channel.
Underlining that a 鈥淧KK state鈥� was planned to be established in the region, Cavusoglu said that Turkey 鈥渟poiled a big game鈥� with the Operation Peace Spring.
Highlighting that the withdrawal of terrorist YPG/PKK forces from the planned safe zone is underway, Cavusoglu said terrorists continue to violate the safe zone deal between Turkey and U.S. despite latter鈥檚 instructions.
The PKK/YPG terrorists have violated the safe zone deal with the U.S. 20 times since it came into effect on Oct. 17, according to Turkish Defense Ministry on Sunday.
On Oct. 9, Turkey had launched Operation Peace Spring to eliminate terrorists from northern Syria in order to secure Turkey鈥檚 borders, aid in the safe return of Syrian refugees and ensure Syria鈥檚 territorial integrity.
On Oct. 17, Turkey agreed to pause its Operation Peace Spring for 120 hours to allow the withdrawal of terrorist YPG/PKK forces from the planned safe zone.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and U.S. Vice President Mike Pence also agreed on Turkey having 20 miles (32 kilometers) of safe zone south of the Turkish border in Syria.
Ankara wants to clear northern Syria east of the Euphrates River of the terrorist PKK and its Syrian offshoot, the YPG/PKK.
In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the European Union -- has been responsible for deaths of 40,000 people, including women, children and infants.
Writing by Zehra Nur Duz
Reporting by Nazli Yuzbasioglu
Anadolu Agency
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