Turkish troops to remain in Syria until threats eliminated - Defense Minister

Canikli, responding to questions about the operation on a visit to Georgia for the South-East European Defense Ministers’ Meeting, said:

"We jointly operate with the Free Syria Army (FSA) consisting of Syrians. They defend their own lands while we support them."

Turkish military units have started expeditionary activities in Idlib, Syria, in line with the de-escalation zone deal that emerged from talks in Astana, Kazakhstan, the military said Monday.

The statement, published on the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK)’s website, says the military elements of the monitoring force have started their deployment as of Oct. 8, 2017, to establish monitoring sites during the operation.

When asked about the timeframe of the operation, Canikli said: "Until all threats to Turkey from Syria are completely eliminated, we must remain there."

The TSK statement says the goals of the de-escalation zones, which were declared Dec. 30, 2016, and guaranteed by Turkey, Russia and Iran through the Astana process, aim to increase the effectiveness of the cease-fire agreement, ending armed clashes, providing humanitarian aid, establishing proper conditions for displaced people to return and supporting the establishment of conditions for a peaceful resolution of the conflict.