Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yıldırim said that the Syrian regime could not be ignored as Turkish troops launched an invasion operation against Afrin. This represents another step in the rapprochement between the AKP and Baath regimes.
The obvious rapprochement of the Turkish regime with the Syrian regime may have its source in a deal over the invasion of the region. While the "killer Assad" was mentioned by Turkish officials over and over again, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım now said they will not ignore the regime in Syria.
Yıldırım, asked about possible relations with the Syrian regime, responded: "Talks with both Russia and Syria are continuing. Many mistakes have been made, many atrocities were committed, many people have died, but still the regime is a part of this matter, we cannot deny it. "
With regard to the losses, Chief of Staff Hulusi Akar and PM Binali Yıldırım disagree. Akar spoke of soldiers injured in the operation, while Yıldırım claimed that not a single Turkish soldier has been injured so far.
In addition, Yıldırım thanked CHP Leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and MHP Leader Devlet Bahçeli for their support for the operation against Afrin.
