Celik criticized French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian’s statement claiming that Turkey had targeted civilians in the operation and “violated international law.”

“It is Turkey’s legitimate right to ensure the security of its borders. However, ensuring the security of borders does not mean that you can kill civilians,” Le Drian had said.

He called Le Drian’s remarks “the worst and the wrongest possible statement” on the operation.

“Turkey’s fight against terrorism is fully in line with international law. The ones who violate law and commit crimes are the ones who provide arms to the PYD/YPG [Democratic Union Party/People’s Protection Units],” Celik added.

According to Hurriyet daily news he said Le Drian’s statement showed “double standard on terrorism.”

“The ones who refrain to mention our citizens killed by the terrorist organization now present a non-existing picture as reality. This is just ignoring the massacres of the terrorist organization we’re fighting in Afrin,” he added.

Reporter’s code: 50101