“Those trying to drive wedge between Turkish soldiers and Iraqi people have failed”

 

Defense minister Hulusi Akar visits to troops in Turkey’s southeastern Mardin province.

Terrorist in northern Iraq tried to provoke innocent people, knowing that they cannot fight against Turkish soldiers, Turkish defense minister said on Sunday.

“Since they [PKK terrorists] realized that they cannot fight against Turkish soldiers, they try to provoke the innocent locals,” Hulusi Akar said, referring to Saturday’s attack on Turkish base.

On Saturday, a base belonging to Turkish Armed Forces in northern Iraq was attacked after PKK terror group’s provocation, the TurkishDefense Ministry said, adding the attack caused partial damage to vehicles and equipment.

He said those who were trying to drive a wedge between Turkishsoldiers and Iraqi people have failed once again. 

“Our effective operations will continue without interruption. All these provocations will be defeated and we will clear the area off terrorists,” Akar noted.

"We will not only provide our country’s peace and security, but we will also help create a safe environment in Iraq and Syria, of which Turkey respect the territorial and political integrity," he added.