Turkey says it does not want military confrontation with Russia

ANKARA, March 2 (YPA) – Turkey on Sunday reaffirmed that it is unwilling to enter in a military confrontation with Russia against the backdrop of the Turkish conflict with the Syrian Arab army in Idlib province, northwestern Syria.

“Everyone should know that we do not intend to confront with Russia, and our aim is to end the crimes of the regime and prevent extremism and immigration,” Anatolia agency quoted Turkish Minister of Defense Hulusi Akar as saying.

Akar added that “Spring Shield” operation would continue as planned, and that the Turkish army is responding equally to all attacks.

Idlib province has been experiencing violent battles for weeks, after gunmen backed by Turkey carried out a series of attacks targeting Syrian army sites, causing violent battles between the two sides.

YPA