Terror-free zone in northern Syria top priority in Operation Euphrates Shield

The establishment of a 5,000-square-kilometer terror-free zone in northern Syria continues to be the top priority for Turkey's Operation Euphrates Shield, which backs the Free Syrian Army (FSA), in the fight against Daesh and the Democratic Union Party (PYD).

Speaking to reporters after a Cabinet meeting in Ankara, Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmuş said: "The priority of Operation Euphrates Shield is to maintain the elimination of the Daesh terror organization from the 5,000-square-kilometer area. In this framework, we urge all relevant actors to also support and help Turkey's activities in eliminating this area of Daesh."

Ankara has been pushing southward, supporting FSA forces as part of Operation Euphrates Shield, launched on Aug. 24, to clear al-Bab of Daesh terrorists and form a 5,000-square-meter terror-free zone, comprising of the towns of al-Bab, al-Rai, Azaz, Jarablus and Manbij. The terror-free corridor will ensure security for Turkey's southern border with Syria, while providing a safe shelter for locals in the region, which would stop the mass influx of refugees coming into Turkey.

Meanwhile, Kurtulmuş also added that Turkey supports the continuation of the Syria peace talks and negotiations. "Turkey devotes all its means and efforts to the negotiations in Syria for a restart. Since the beginning of the 65th government, Turkey has stressed a number of times its priority in establishing a new peace perspective in Syria. We also express our support to the international community in the Syrian peace process. In that regard, we are continuing negotiations and discussions with all the relevant groups to establish a permanent peace in Syria," Kurtulmuş added.

Kurtulmuş underlined Ankara's stance against the PKK's Syrian offshoot, the PYD, in Syria, saying, "The PYD's approach toward Manbij and Afrin is solely against Turkey's interests in the region and we are continuing to emphasize this. The PYD marching forwards toward Manbij and Afrin is a harm to Turkey."

On its 97th day, Operation Euphrates Shield continued to target Daesh targets in northern Syria and captured the villages of Haliliyah, Ajami and Shabviran. During the operations four Daesh terrorists were also killed by FSA fighters backed by the Turkish military. In addition, Turkish air forces conducted airstrikes in the region, destroying four buildings used by Daesh terrorists. The Turkish Air Force, which has been operating as part of the international anti-Daesh coalition forces, has been particularly cautious during operations in order to minimize civilian casualties.