The Turkish Defense Minister announces that the Army "has neutralized 184 terrorists" in two days

The United States and Russia urge Turkish authorities to avoid an escalation of tension in Syria

The Turkish Defense Minister, Hulusi Akar, has reported that at least 184 people have been killed or injured over two days in the framework of the "Claw-Sword" operation against Kurdish groups that the Turkish government blames for the attack with explosives in Istanbul that left at least six dead and 81 injured.

Akar has detailed that "since the beginning of the operation (...), 184 terrorists have been neutralized by ground fire support vehicles or aircraft."

"We hope that this number will increase even more. Our fight will continue until the last terrorist is neutralized," said the minister, according to a government statement.

The head of the Turkish Army General Staff has assured that "now is the time to render accounts" for the recent attacks. "They will pay for it. We will continue to demand accountability for the blood of our martyrs and citizens," he added.

Thus, Akar has stated that "all the known targets (of the suspected terrorists) have been attacked with fire support vehicles from the Land Forces Command and aircraft from the Air Force Command."

The Turkish Ministry of Defense announced late this past Saturday the start of the "Claw-Sword" operation in northern Iraq and Syria against the Kurdish groups that Ankara has blamed for the explosion last Sunday on the avenue Istiklal, which left at least six dead and 81 injured.

"It is time to settle accounts," the Ministry declared in the statement announcing the operation and justifying the bombing "in accordance with the right to self-defense that arises from Article 51 of the UN Charter," according to the official agency. Anatolia Turkish News.

USA URGES DE-ESCALATION

The United States has reacted to the attacks by the Turkish army and Kurdish militias by calling for a reduction in violence in northern Syria and Iraq, as well as in southern Turkey.

The spokesman for the US State Department, Ned Price, has expressed, in turn, his "sincere condolences for the loss of civilian lives in Syria and Turkey", after the start of the Turkish operation "Claw-Sword" against Kurdish groups whom Turkey blames for the bombing in Istanbul.

"We urge de-escalation in Syria to protect civilian life and support the common goal of defeating ISIS," Price declared, before assuring that the Biden Administration continues "to oppose any uncoordinated military action in Iraq that violates sovereignty." from the country.

RUSSIA ASKS ITS TURKISH PARTNERS FOR MODERATION

The special representative of the Russian president for Syria, Alexander Lavrentiev, on Tuesday asked his Turkish partners for restraint to avoid an escalation of tension in Syria.

"Of course, we will ask our Turkish colleagues for some restraint in order to avoid an escalation of tension, and an escalation of tension not only in the north, but in the entire territory of Syria," Lavrentiev explained.

"We believe that working with all interested parties should continue and try to find a correct solution, including on the so-called Kurdish problem," he added in statements to journalists collected by the Russian agency TASS.

Along these lines, the head of the Russian delegation has assured that the Russian side has done everything possible to prevent the Turkish operation "Claw-Sword".

Thus, he has indicated that Moscow hopes that it will be possible to convince the Turkish partners to refrain from the excessive use of force on Syrian territory.