Turkish troops to leave Syria once border security ensured, MoD says

The question of withdrawing Turkish Armed Forces units from Syria can only be reconsidered once the country’s border security is fully ensured, Türkiye's Defence Ministry spokesperson Zeki Aktürk has stated.

Aktürk made the remarks when asked whether the current situation in Syria affects the status and duration of Turkish troop deployments in the country’s northern regions, Caliber.Az reports.

“The Turkish Armed Forces are present in Syria on the basis of the right to self-defence under international law, with the aim of ensuring the security of our country and borders, combating terrorism, and preventing the creation of a terrorist corridor. The withdrawal of our troops from Syria is an issue that can only be reconsidered once the full security of our borders is achieved and the terrorist threat is completely eliminated,” Aktürk said.

By Khagan Isayev