President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said, "Our objective is to eradicate terrorism sought to be formed along our southern borders and to eliminate threats against our country. We are determined to eradicate terrorism and liberate our citizens from the scourge of terrorism. The successful operations of our heroic army, which now focuses on the epicentre of terrorism, indicate that we are getting close to achieving this objective."
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan addressed the “Operations Claw-Lightning and Claw-Thunderbolt” command centre via video conference.
President Erdoğan met with Minister of National Defence Hulusi Akar, Chief of General Staff Gen. Yaşar Güler and force commanders at the Vahdettin Mansion.
Starting his speech by greeting his audience, President Erdoğan said, "Our Turkish Armed Forces, whose history is replete with glory and victories, continue to fight with devotion and determination against the dangers posing a threat to our nation's security".
"We are proud of our heroic army and all its members who waged this historic fight," President Erdoğan said and continued:
"We know no power that can stand up to our valiant soldiers in this fight waged on the principle of 'If I die, I will be a martyr; if I live, I will be a veteran'. Türkiye continues its fight today without deviating even slightly from humanitarian values such as justice and law, as it did in its history. Our objective is to eradicate terrorism sought to be formed along our southern borders and eliminate threats against our country. We are determined to eradicate terrorism and liberate our citizens from the scourge of terrorism. The successful operations of our heroic army, which now focuses on the epicentre of terrorism, indicate that we are getting close to achieving this objective."
Citing that the previous night Turkish Armed Forces had launched the Operation Claw-Lightning and Claw-Thunderbolt against the PKK terrorist organisation nested in northern Iraq, President Erdoğan said, "In the operation, which targeted terrorist hideouts and caves from land and air, a large number of terrorists have been neutralised thus far. This operation, which is conducted with respect to our neighbour Iraq's territorial integrity, will also contribute to the restoration of peace in the region."
"There will never be a place for the separatist terrorist organisation and terrorism in the future of Türkiye, Iraq or Syria"
President Erdoğan noted the following:
"I would like to express here once again that there will never be a place for the separatist terrorist organisation and terrorism in the future of Türkiye, Iraq or Syria. Within the framework of our rights arising from international law, we will continue our fight until we eradicate these packs of murderers that bring nothing but blood, tears and devastation to our region. The use of our domestic and national defence industry products to a great extend during the successful operations of our valiant soldiers is another occasion for us to feel satisfied and proud. Before ending my words, I would like to congratulate each one of the valiant members of our Armed Forces who have taken part in this operation and wish you all success. May Allah be your companion and helper."