Erdogan Says Turkey to Launch Military Operations on its Southern Borders

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan speaks during a ceremony at the Golcuk Naval Shipyard in Izmit, Turkey May 23, 2022. (Presidential Press Office/Handout via Reuters)
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan speaks during a ceremony at the Golcuk Naval Shipyard in Izmit, Turkey May 23, 2022. (Presidential Press Office/Handout via Reuters)
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Erdogan Says Turkey to Launch Military Operations on its Southern Borders

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan speaks during a ceremony at the Golcuk Naval Shipyard in Izmit, Turkey May 23, 2022. (Presidential Press Office/Handout via Reuters)
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan speaks during a ceremony at the Golcuk Naval Shipyard in Izmit, Turkey May 23, 2022. (Presidential Press Office/Handout via Reuters)

Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday Ankara would soon launch new military operations along its southern borders to create 30-km deep safe zones to combat terrorist threats from these regions.

"The main target of these operations will be areas which are centers of attacks to our country and safe zones," Erdogan said, without elaborating.

Erdogan said the operations would be launched as soon as military, intelligence and security forces have completed their preparations.

Separately, Erdogan said Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis no longer existed for him after he visited the United States, and accused Mitsotakis of trying to block sales of F-16 fighter jets to Turkey.

"We had agreed to not include third countries in our dispute with him. Despite this, last week, he had a visit to the US and talked at the Congress and warned them not to give F-16s to us," Erdogan said at a press conference following the weekly cabinet meeting.

"He longer exists for me. I will never agree to meet with him. We will continue our way with honorable politicians."



Hezbollah Reaffirms ‘Gaza-Lebanon Equation’

Elements of UNIFIL forces participated in protecting the activities of the medical day to assist displaced families in the city of Tyre (EPA)
Elements of UNIFIL forces participated in protecting the activities of the medical day to assist displaced families in the city of Tyre (EPA)
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Hezbollah Reaffirms ‘Gaza-Lebanon Equation’

Elements of UNIFIL forces participated in protecting the activities of the medical day to assist displaced families in the city of Tyre (EPA)
Elements of UNIFIL forces participated in protecting the activities of the medical day to assist displaced families in the city of Tyre (EPA)

The Iran-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon has reiterated its stance in the conflict with Israel, connecting the halt of Gaza aggression to ceasing “support operations” in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah underscored that Lebanon will decide on future actions.
During a ceremony honoring a Hezbollah fighter, Hassan Fadlallah, a Hezbollah parliamentary member, said: “The resistance in Gaza determines our steps. Today, we’re on the brink of a major blow to the occupying army, despite sacrifices.”
“In Lebanon, the equation is clear: when Gaza attacks stop, support actions cease. Our front supports pressure on the enemy to defend Lebanon, preventing any thought of violating our land,” added Fadlallah.
Responding to concerns about Hezbollah’s influence in Lebanese politics, Fadlallah asserted Lebanon’s sovereignty in decision-making.
“Post-aggression decisions are Lebanese. They’re decided by Lebanese people and authorities, strengthening Lebanon’s defense and denying the enemy political gains they couldn't achieve militarily,” he affirmed.
Fadlalllah pointed to Israeli army exhaustion as a factor in halting the Gaza conflict.
“The Israeli army is now unable to continue, pressuring political leaders to stop the war,” he claimed.
Criticizing Hezbollah opponents in Lebanon, he said: “Some political voices undermine Lebanon’s strength.”
Field reports noted cautious calm in South Lebanon after limited cross-border clashes between Hezbollah and Israel and night bombings injuring four civilians, including firefighters.