Turkish president vows to 'wipe out' terrorists

ANKARA

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has reiterated Turkey’s determination to tackle terrorism.

Erdogan’s remarks came at a medal ceremony in the Turkish capital Ankara for army veterans and the families of martyrs at the Presidential Palace on Thursday.

“I assure you that we will not allow a step that would torment the souls of our martyrs and hurt our veterans,” Erdogan said. “We are in a struggle against all terrorist organizations without compromise until the end. We will wipe out all terrorists in this country sooner or later, with the permission of Allah.”

Erdogan said the deaths of hundreds of soldiers since June 2015 has been upsetting, adding:

“But you know what we gained? We showed that these lands are our homeland to the friends and enemies. That was important.

“This gain is such a big gain it can only be compared to Canakkale and the independence war.”

The Turkish president told the families of martyrs: “Our nation knows your sacrifices very well.”

Since the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization also by the U.S., and the EU -- resumed its 30-year armed campaign around 300 members of the security forces have been martyred.