UPDATE - Turkey to foil any attempts against its goals, interest

ADD MORE REMARKS FROM ERDOGAN

By Ilkay Guder and Aynur Ekiz

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey will foil any attempts against its interests and goals, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Friday.

"Our homeland, our flag, our state, our nation and our independence is our honor," Erdogan told a local election campaign rally in Sivas province.

Turkey will prevent every threat to its homeland, flag and state. Turkey devastated terror in the southeastern mountains of Cudi, Gabar and Tendurek, Erdogan said.

"We gave a response to those who wanted to attack Turkey in the Jarabulus city of northern Syria and Afrin, northwestern Syrian city,” he said referring to Operation Euphrates Shield and Operation Olive Branch which brought improved security, supported coalition forces and eliminated the terror threat in the region.

"We will give the necessary response to those who want to launch an operation into Turkey at home and abroad," Erdogan said.

Erdogan held his first rally for the March 31 elections in Sivas province.

Turkey is gearing up for the local polls, held every five years, with 13 parties taking part this year.