Turkey’s military chief visits troops on Syria border

Turkish military chief Gen. Hulusi Akar on Friday visited military brigades stationed on the border with Syria.

Akar was accompanied by Land Forces Commander Yasar Guler, Air Forces Commander Hasan Kucukakyuz, and Naval Forces Commander Adnan Ozbal, according to Anadolu Agency correspondents in the area.

The military chief inspected the troops in the southern province of Kilis.

According to a statement issued by the Turkish army after the inspection, Akar said efforts are ongoing to make YPG/PKK terrorists leave the northern Syrian city of Manbij and to collect arms under a deal reached between Ankara and Washington.

The Manbij deal focuses on the withdrawal of the PKK-affiliated YPG terror group from the city in order to stabilize the region.

Under the deal, Turkish and U.S. troops conduct patrols in the area -- six patrols to date.

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK has taken some 40,000 lives, including those of women and children. The YPG/PKK is its Syrian branch.

Should the Manbij model prove a success, Turkey will push for a similar arrangement in eastern Syria.

Turkey has said the presence of terror forces near its border constitutes a threat and has launched military operations and other efforts to rid the region of terrorists.

On Turkey’s 12 observation points in Syria’s northwestern Idlib province set up in coordination with Russia and Iran, Akar said they help provide trust and stability in the region.

He added that all Turkey's cross-border operations are being conducted in line with international law and with respect for the territorial integrity of Syria and Iran.

On Jan. 20, Turkey launched Operation Olive Branch to clear YPG/PKK-Daesh terrorists from Afrin, northwestern Syria.

According to the Turkish General Staff, the operation aims to establish security and stability along Turkey’s borders and the region as well as protect Syrians from terrorist cruelty and oppression.