Turkey braving independence war-like fight: Erdogan

By Sena Guler

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey is braving another war similar to the War of Independence, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Monday.

“We are waging another war similar to the War of Independence, which we started a century ago and climaxed with the establishment of our republic,” Erdogan said in a video message to the nation, marking Oct. 29, the 96th Republic Day.

“I thank all of our friends, who share the happiness of this important turning point of our history. I congratulate the 96th year of the declaration of our republic,” he added.

He said the nation was faced with another "historical fight" to protect its present and future.

"All incidents that we go through from terror attacks to the treacherous coup attempt on July 15 [2016] are examples of this historical fight."

He added that the anti-terror operations in Syria are also part of the war.

Since 2016, Turkey has conducted three successful operations in northern Syria against the terrorist YPG/PKK and Daesh (also known as ISIS): Operation Euphrates Shield (2016-17), Operation Olive Branch (2018), and Operation Peace Spring (launched on Oct. 9).

Erdogan noted that Turkey has faced indiscriminate attacks on its borders and economy, but the country has the "power, opportunity and determination" to overcome all these problems.

Turkey and Turkish missions abroad will celebrate on Tuesday the 96th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey.

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the republic's founder, on Oct. 29, 1923 officially declared the name of the nation and proclaimed the country's status as a republic.

Since then, Turkey celebrates the Republic Day every Oct. 29.