Turkey Not Accountable for Operations in Northern Syria and Iraq: Erdogan

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has stated that Turkey's military operations in northern Syria and Iraq "should not" concern anyone, asserting that Ankara will not report to anyone about these actions.

Since November 20, Turkey has been conducting air operations against the Syrian wing of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in northern Syria. Reports indicate that strikes have been carried out on the city of Kobani, as well as in northern Iraq. President Erdogan described the operation as successful and did not rule out the possibility of a ground operation to follow.

"Turkey is determined to establish a security zone 30 kilometers deep along its southern borders. We do not need permission from anyone to take steps regarding the security of our homeland and our people, and we will not be accountable to anyone," Erdogan said, as quoted by Anadolu Agency.

Erdogan also noted that it is unacceptable for several countries to support PKK terrorists, who are "hiding behind the names PYD and YPG in northern Syria, as well as calling themselves the 'Syrian Democratic Forces.'" He added, "Turkey will not tolerate their hypocrisy."

The President also commented on the Turkish armed forces' strikes against terrorist targets in northern Iraq and Syria. "No one should be concerned about Turkey's military operations, which are aimed at strengthening security and peace," he emphasized.

"No one can force our country to adopt positions that contradict its interests in political, diplomatic, economic, and military areas through empty threats. No one should be worried about Turkey's policies based on justice, solidarity, and diplomatic initiatives, as well as the principles of friendship and cooperation," the Turkish leader stated.