Turkey to Russia: We will continue our operations in northern Syria

Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar told his Russian counterpart, in a phone call today, Thursday, that Ankara will continue to respond to attacks emanating from northern Syria, after Moscow asked Ankara to avoid a large-scale attack in Syria.

The Turkish Ministry of Defense said in a statement that Akar told his Russian counterpart, Sergei Shoigu, that "Turkey's priority is to permanently ward off terrorist threats (from northern Syria)," noting the need to adhere to previous agreements on this issue.

On Wednesday, senior Russian negotiator Alexander Lavrentiev urged Turkey to refrain from launching a large-scale ground offensive in Syria, as such actions could lead to an escalation of violence.

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