PM says Turkey will not hesitate to protect borders

Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım on Monday said that Turkey would do what is necessary to protect its national security.

“We will reciprocate accordingly if our national security is threatened, against any internal or external initiations, be it from Syria or Iraq. This must be clearly understood," Yıldırım said.

"We will not allow our southern border to be threatened. Turkey is determined on this issue, and the necessary warnings have been made. We will not hesitate to take the necessary precautions,” he added.

The premier also commented on the July 15 coup attempt.

“On July 15, Turkey showed that it was tired of tutelage and terrorist attacks. Our nation will be a exemplary country on the 100th anniversary of our republic,” he added.

A total of 249 people were martyred and more than 2,100 injured in the coup attempt perpetrated by FETÖ. The failed coup was organized by followers of U.S.-based Fetullah Gülen, who has pursued a long-running campaign to overthrow the government through supporters within the Turkish state, particularly the military, police and judiciary.