Turkey's Syria op 'in framework of international law'

COLOGNE, Germany

Turkey's ongoing operation in northern Syria is "within the framework of international law," Turkish justice minister said on Monday.

"Turkey continues with this operation stemming form the international agreements, within the framework of international law," Abdulhamit Gul said in France's Strasbourg.

Turkey has no eye on other countries' territories, he said and added: "Our main aim is to fight against terror elements".

On Oct. 9, Turkey launched Operation Peace Spring to eliminate terrorists from northern Syria in order to secure Turkey’s borders, aid in the safe return of Syrian refugees, and ensure Syria’s territorial integrity.

Ankara wants to clear northern Syria east of the Euphrates River of the terrorist PKK and its Syrian offshoot, the PYD/YPG.

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S., and the European Union -- has been responsible for deaths of 40,000 people, including women, children and infants.

* Writing by Diyar Guldogan