Erdogan: Turkey to launch military operation east of Euphrates

Ankara may soon launch a military operation east of the Euphrates River in Syria, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said.

"In a couple of days, Turkey will launch an operation east of the Euphrates," the Daily Sabah cited the Turkish leader as saying.

Speaking at the Turkish Defense Industry Summit in Ankara, Erdogan stressed that the operation would not target U.S. troops deployed to the region.

According to the Turkish president, Ankara’s move will facilitate the political settlement process in Syria and help "make this area safe."