‘Turkey has caused the US five losses since 2015’

Tanrıverdi said if the weather and field conditions were more favorable, Operation Olive Branch would advance more rapidly, and that once the operation was completed Syrian refugees would be able to return to their home country, just as they did following the completion of Operation Euphrates Shield.

Operation Olive Branch was initiated on Jan. 20 in Afrin to establish security and stability, eliminate PKK/KCK/PYD-YPG and Daesh terrorists, and save locals from their oppression and cruelty.

Tanrıverdi said that had the U.S. genuinely wanted to end the turmoil in Syria, it would have acted jointly with Turkey, “but from the Iraq invasion to today, it has not done so. Turkey has caused the U.S. five losses since 2015.”

He added that the U.S. supported propaganda that was aimed at deteriorating political stability before Turkey’s June 7, 2015 elections. “A coalition situation emerged on June 7. Political stability was ensured five months later. This is the first loss of the United States,” Tanrıverdi said.

“Trench activities followed, which the U.S also supported. Turkey resolved this in six months. Peace and tranquility was ensured in those regions. This is the second loss of the U.S.,” Tanrıverdi said.

“While Turkey had detected all the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETÖ) members within the Turkish Armed Forces and was preparing to discharge them, the July 15 coup attempt occurred. This was suppressed within 20 hours. This is the third loss of the U.S.,” he added.

Tanrıverdi stated that the Turkish military only “grew stronger” once FETÖ was eliminated from within it.

“Following the treacherous July 15 coup attempt, a few days before Operation Euphrates Shied, the U.S. was going to empty Jarabulus of Daesh and hand it to the PYD. Turkey realized this, positioned its military forces and obviated this. This was the fourth loss for the U.S.,” Tanrıverdi said.

“The U.S. moved to close the Turkish bases in Iraq, but this too was stopped. This was the fifth loss for the U.S.,” he added.

“The U.S. should know that it cannot form an armed organization near us,” in referral to U.S. plans to form a 30,000-strong border security force composed of PKK/PYD terrorists. The senior advisor stated that it was a crime under international law to be associated to a terror group, and that the U.S. would withdraw from Manbij.

The PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the European Union and the United States. The PKK has been conducting armed violence in the southeastern part of Turkey since 1984. More than 40,000 people, mostly civilians, have been killed in the three-decade long conflict.

“If the U.S. continues its policies with [terror] organizations, it will lead to its downfall. If it abandons [terror] organizations, then it will be our ally. If matters aren’t resolved by political dialogue, then force must be used. The fate of organizations is up to states. Turkey is resolute, and will continue with its operations. We spoke with the U.S. and then started our military operation. We must focus on execution, not words,” Tanrıverdi said.

“For now the operation is limited to Afrin, and tomorrow it will be limited to Manbij. Our operation will last until terrorists are eliminated and people can live safely. A peaceful environment was ensured in the Euphrates Shield region. The same thing will happen [in Afrin]. Operation Olive Branch will be exemplary for the UN and the world,” Tanrıverdi said.

Tanrıverdi said Turkey should act jointly with Muslim countries in terms of defense industry. “Turkey can be a leader in this regard. We must develop our defense industry while thinking about this region. There are great efforts for this. In 2023, it will have a defense industry that can supply products,” he said.

In the context of modernization of tanks, integration of sub-systems into tanks is planned to reduce the security risks in light of the experience obtained in Operation Euphrates Shield. Some of the developments include the strengthening of armor, active protection, new generation weaponry, laser warning, and firefighting and explosion suppression systems.

“You can’t challenge others with someone else’s gun. We have to be independent in the defense industry. At least others will be dependent on us. We need time for the plane and the tank engine, but we have the power to do everything else,” Tanrıverdi said.