Syria operation 'to protect Turkish, European security'

By Diyar Guldogan

ANKARA (AA) - The mission to take the northern Syrian city of Jarabulus from Daesh was “essential” for Turkish and European security, EU Affairs Minister Omer Celik said Thursday.

Operation Euphrates Shield saw Free Syrian Army forces backed by Turkish tanks, artillery, special forces and air power take the city on the Turkish border on Wednesday.

“This is essential for our national security,” Celik said at a news conference with Germany’s Europe Minister Michael Roth in Ankara. “But the steps we have taken for our national security are at the same time essential for the security of the EU and world.”

In an apparent reference to both Daesh and the PYD and its military arm, the YPG, Celik added: “We cannot allow any terrorist organizations to control the other side of Turkish border.”

Roth said Germany was ready to support Turkey in its fight against terrorism. Over the last year, Daesh or those inspired by the group have launched terror attacks on Turkey and Europe, including the Paris and Brussels attacks, the attack on Istanbul's Ataurk Airport in June and last weekend's bombing of a wedding party in Gaziantep.