In remarks to the Italian Il Messaggero newspaper published on Tuesday, December 20, Akar said the PKK targets the security and safety of Turkish lands, adding that Ankara's military operations in northern Syria are based on Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, which gives Turkey the right to defend itself.

He added that the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) is working to deceive the international community by adopting different names.

Stressed on Turkey's view that the YPG is PKK's Syrian extension, he called on Turkey's allies to stop supporting the organization, and to show solidarity with Ankara in combating it.

Reporter's code: 50101