UPDATE - Turkey warns of 'action' in Syria's Manbij

UPDATES WITH MORE FROM MEETING

By Enes Kaplan

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey on Wednesday warned of taking action in Syria's northern Manbij region, if it is not cleared of terrorists.

The National Security Council met under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in capital Ankara.

A written statement was released after the meeting.

"It was stated [during the meeting] that terrorists in Manbij should be removed from the region as soon as possible, or else Turkey will not abstain from taking initiative," said a statement.

The statement said the National Security Council meeting, which lasted for four hours, assessed threats that aim at the national security of Turkey, especially the actions of YPG/PKK, Daesh, and FETO terror organizations.

It added that Turkey will take action if Iraq failed to halt PKK terrorist group's activities in its territory.

"Besides Syria, it is expected from Iraqi state to prevent terrorist group actions in various locations in Iraq, especially in Sinjar and Qandil Mountains," the statement said.

Turkey on Jan. 20 launched Operation Olive Branch to remove YPG/PKK and Daesh terrorists from Afrin.

According to the Turkish General Staff, the operation aims to establish security and stability along Turkey's borders and the region as well as protect Syrians from terrorist cruelty and oppression.

The operation is being carried out under the framework of Turkey’s rights based on international law, UN Security Council resolutions, its self-defense rights under the UN charter, and respect for Syria's territorial integrity, it said.

The military has also said that only terrorist targets are being destroyed and "utmost care" is being taken to avoid harming any civilians.

Afrin has been a major hideout for the PYD/PKK since July 2012, when the Assad regime in Syria left the city to the terror group without a fight.