Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has issued a comprehensive statement marking the anniversary of the "Euphrates Shield" operation. The Turkish leader emphasized that the military campaign served as a decisive milestone in demonstrating the strength and resolve of the Turkish Armed Forces.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, Erdogan stated that through this operation, Ankara made it clear to both friends and foes that it will not tolerate terrorism, conflict, or instability in the region. He underscored that the power of the Turkish military plays a vital role in ensuring the security of both the country and the broader region, highlighting the operation as a testament to Turkey's unwavering determination.
In his address, the Turkish President also paid tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives during the operation. He expressed his condolences to the families of the martyrs and extended his gratitude to the heroic veterans.
The "Euphrates Shield" operation, launched in August 2016, marked Turkey's first major cross-border military incursion into northern Syria. The primary objective was to clear the border region of terrorist elements, specifically targeting Daesh and YPG/PKK militants, while simultaneously facilitating the return of displaced civilians to their homes. Since then, Turkey has maintained a strategic focus on securing its southern borders against security threats, viewing such operations as essential components of its national defense policy.
