Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmuş declared that Turkey's war on terror would continue, stating that the attacks on Turkey were from external sources.
“Without external support, terror organizations wouldn't survive more than a week. We will demonstrate the necessary response to whoever is threatening Turkey," said Kurtulmuş.
“We are not talking about a distant threat. For Turkey, it is a threat in the garden of our home. We will not sit back and watch," said Kurtulmuş, referring to the 1,250 kilometer border Turkey shares with Iraq and Syria. Turkey has successfully cleansed some pockets of land in Syria of the terrorist organizations Daesh and PYD.
Referring to the Aleppo evacuations, Kurtulmuş said, “It's a heavy price to pay, and humanity is being crushed under its bill. We must open a humanitarian corridor before the people of Aleppo perish."
“Those who tried to spark Turkish-Kurdish conflict were unsuccessful. Now people are saying 'enough' in places where HDP received 80 - 90 per cent of votes after pit politics. They are saying we don't want you [in power any more]. They are saying damn the PKK. This fight is between the PKK and the nation," said Kurtulmuş.
It is not enough to simply condemn terrorism any more, said Kurtulmuş, making a call for action. Although European countries condemn terrorism, there are also cases where these very countries provide financial support for terrorist organizations. The PKK is politically active across many European countries.
“Terror is like a loose cannon. Today, you think that you are using it, but tomorrow, it will turn against you. No city in the World is assured against terrorism. There are terror attacks in Paris, London, Madrid, Istanbul and New York. Let's come together and form a common language against terrorism," said Kurtulmuş.
Kurtulmuş advised the U.S. to be weary of partnering with the PYD.
“You are going to fight to take back Raqqa and Mosul from Daesh. To work alongside another terrorist organization during this struggle is another thing entirely. If you allow the PYD to take the place of Daesh, you will allow terrorism to continue. Al Hashd Al-Sha'abi (Popular Mobilization Units) or the PYD terrorist organization – they will strike back at the U.S. one day. Just look at how powerful Al-Qaeda became. Didn't Al-Qaeda become a threat to all the countries that initially supported it? The PYD is a threat to the countries that support it," added Kurtulmuş.
The U.S. has increased the number of guns supplied to the PYD, as well as provided PYD soldiers with fast track courses on how to use the guns.
Turkey has conducted many successful operations targeting various terrorist organizations that pose threats to national security. Kurtulmuş spoke of the security achieved in Kilis.
“Rockets were falling on Kilis daily. A great number of our people were martyred. Turkey launched an operation and the area was cleared of Daesh terrorists. Our border was secured. By neutralizing PYD terrorists, a safe and secure area is being formed. Terrorism in Turkey does not originate only from within Turkey. Their guns are sourced externally. We will not sit back and watch," declared Kurtulmuş.
Turkey played a critical role in the negotiations surrounding Aleppo's evacuation.
“The world has failed Aleppo. We must open a humanitarian corridor before the people of Aleppo perish. Turkey has been pushing for this for weeks. Just as the evacuations were about to be actualized, Syrian regime supporters attacked the people of Aleppo. The evacuations, which were supposed to finish quickly, were prevented and then extended. Turkey is trying to get the remaining Aleppans out of the besieged city. The international community should ensure the smooth evacuation of the people of Aleppo," Kurtulmuş commented.
