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Turkey says door for new military operation in Syria kept open

At the same time, it was noted that the timing depends on many different factors

ANKARA, May 30. /TASS/. Turkey’s army may launch a new military operation in northern Syria any time, with its armed forces on standby already, while the final decision is up to the country’s political leaders, the Turkish newspaper Hurriyet reported on Monday citing Turkey’s Defense Minister Hulusi Akar.

"The Turkish army and police are on standby ready to begin new operations in those regions (bordering Syria - TASS)," the minister said. The timing depends on many different factors though, including the phase of the preparations, geography and meteorological conditions, while the final decision is dependent on the political will, he added.

Hurriyet said it could be made after a telephone conversation planned for today between the Russian and Turkish presidents. President "[Tayyip] Erdogan’s talks with [Vladimir] Putin will be decisive in terms of the possibility of an operation," the Turkish daily said.

Last Monday, the Turkish leader said his country was getting ready for a new military operation in northern Syria with a view to expanding the 30-kilometer security zone established following the operation Peace Srping in October 2019. The operation may be launched soon, with plans to involve about 50,000 Turkish troops and Syrian opposition militants backed by Turkey, local media reported.

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