Erdogan: Turkish troops to enter east of Euphrates 'very soon'

Turkey will have to carry out its own plan if the US starts delaying the safe zone agreement related to northern Syria, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Monday (August 26), as he noted that Ankara's plans are all ready, DS reported.

Speaking at the 948th-anniversary ceremony of Battle of Malazgirt in the eastern province of Mus, Erdogan expressed Turkey's determination regarding Syria.

"We are slowly covering ground regarding the efforts for the establishment of a safe zone," the president said, adding that Turkey prioritizes dialogue and cooperation to resolve problems regarding northern Syria.

"If we are forced into an undesired plan or delay, we have all preparations ready and will proceed with them," he added.

The president said they expect Turkish troops to enter the region soon.

"I hope nobody tests our patience regarding our determination to clear terrorists from our border with Syria," Erdogan said.

Since 2016, Turkey has conducted two major military operations in northwestern Syria -- Operations Euphrates Shield and Olive Branch -- to purge the region of terrorist groups ISIS and the YPG, which is the Syrian branch of the terrorist organization PKK.