Erdoğan slams secret EU intelligence report

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan slammed a secret report issued by Intcen, the EU's intelligence agency, during a government meeting on Thursday.

“Europe, as well as many other international organizations, are leading unfair accusations against this country. The parties that we thought were our allies have been groundlessly accusing Turkey. Turkey will not respond to the reports that these parties prepare," said Erdoğan on Thursday.

Intcen issued a secret report claiming President Erdoğan planned to purge the country's armed forces of suspected dissenters before the July 15 coup bid.

“I am reiterating that Turkey is no longer on the defense; we are taking an offense position. We won't let any parties weaken Turkey through harming its economy or through supporting the terrorists that are targeting this country," he said.

Erdoğan also said that Turkey is determined to clean the region from all terrorist groups.

“Daesh and Kurdistan Workers' Party affiliated Democratic Union Party (PKK/PYD) targeted the area near the Turkish border. We acted patiently. Then we entered al-Bab with Free Syrian Army fighters with the Euphrates Shield operation," explained President Erdoğan.

The Turkish army is supporting Free Syrian Army fighters in liberating Al-Bab, a strategic city for Daesh, from the terrorist group.

“We are fighting on the fronts of terror and economy, plus we are engaged in operations beyond our borders. While none of the problems we face are unique to us, there is a very important difference that distinguishes us from other countries," said President Erdoğan.

“Terrorism is a common problem for all countries, but Turkey is the only country that all terrorist organizations are targeting. The troubles we are facing may seem to hurt us, but they will never be the cause of our destruction. The pains we are experiencing indicate a new birth," the Turkey's president explained.

Erdoğan also said that Turkey is determined to clean the region from all terrorist groups.

“Every provocation that tries to break our union, only strengthens our brotherhood, our unity," said President Erdoğan.

“Daesh, PKK and PYD tried to attack our border. It is our right to have a terror-free region. If our citizens are under constant threat, then we must do what is necessary to ensure their safety and security," Erdoğan vowed.

Turkey has launched extensive investigations in a bid to clear government institutions of Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETÖ) members.

FETÖ terrorists are led by U.S.-based Fetullah Gülen, who orchestrated Turkey's July 15 coup plot and is the mastermind behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police and judiciary.

“Some are asking whether those we have been detained or taken into custody are victims. What victims? Following the German unification of the east and west, 600,000 people were removed from work. It is not possible to build a state with traitors," the President concluded.