ANKARA (Sputnik) — "The operation in Syria will be short-term and efficient, it will last until all threats to Turkey have been eliminated. It is being carried out within the legal framework with the consent of the international community and the coalition in a bid to ensure our national security and the territorial integrity of Syria," Kurtulmus was quoted as saying by the NTV broadcaster.
Kurtulmus added that Ankara would also prevent Kurdish militia in Syria from taking control of the Syrian territory close to the border with Turkey.
Earlier in the day, Turkey launched a military operation dubbed "Euphrates Shield" to clear the Syrian border town of Jarabulus of the Daesh terrorist group, outlawed in many countries, including in Russia. Turkish air forces backed by the US-led coalition as well as tanks and artillery are engaged in the operation.