Erdogan says Turkey 'won't stop' military campaign against YPG

Erdogan has repeatedly threatened to expand Turkey's operation in Syria to Manbij, raising fears of a confrontation with the forces of NATO ally the United States.

MENA

2 min read

The New Arab

05 April, 2018

Tensions between Ankara and Washington are still high over Turkey's operation against the YPG. [Getty]

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday that Turkey's military "won't stop" it's efforts to push Syrian Kurdish fighters from Syria's north.

Erdogan said Turkish troops, which last month took control of the northwestern enclave of Afrin, would move eastward into Manbij and other areas controlled by the US-backed Peoples' Protection Units, or YPG, which Turkey considers to be terrorists.

"I say here once again that we will not stop until we have made safe all areas controlled by the (YPG), starting with Manbij," Erdogan said.

He stressed that Turkey's fight against the YPG would not distract from efforts to eliminate the remnants of Islamic State group from the country.

His comments came as the leaders of Turkey, Russia and Iran met for talks on resolving the conflict in Syria.

The three countries, which have teamed up to work for a Syria settlement despite their differences, reaffirmed their commitment to Syria's territorial integrity and the continuation of local cease-fires.

Tensions between Ankara and Washington are still high over Turkey's operation against Kurdish militia in northern Syria.

Erdogan has repeatedly threatened to expand Turkey's operation in Syria to Manbij, raising fears of a confrontation with the forces of NATO ally the United States.