We cannot tolerate new wave of migration - Turkish defense chief

Turkish Defense Minister spoke on immigration problem and its resolution

A safe environment must be created for Syrians there to live in comfort and security, the Turkish national defense minister said on Saturday, Qazet.az reports citing Anadolu Agency.

Hulusi Akar, together with the military chief and commanders of troops stationed across the border, held a meeting at the Turkish-Syrian borderline.

“Turkey cannot tolerate a new wave of migration. We must do our best to prevent immigration. The basis of this lies in making the region safe and stable. We strive for this,” he said.

Syria has been mired in a vicious civil war since early 2011 when the Assad regime cracked down on pro-democracy protests with unexpected ferocity. Since then, hundreds of thousands of people have been killed and millions displaced.

Turkish Defense Minister wished God's mercy to all martyrs, and two Turkish soldiers killed earlier in the day in the Idlib de-escalation zone, where acts of aggression are prohibited. It was formed after an agreement between Turkey and Russia.

Akar said Turkey did not remain silent over developments in the north of Syria and launched operations Euphrates Shield, Olive Branch and Peace Spring for the safety of its citizens and its borders.

According to the minister, Turkish security forces have neutralized 1,926 terrorists in domestic and cross-border operations in north of Iraq and Syria since the beginning of 2021