Erdogan addressed a crowd prior to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP)’s provincial congress in the central province of Afyon.

“We were always patients and told them [the militants] 'know your place'. As it is, those inside the Turkish borders [referring to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK)] have been active. For the last 40 years, my nation has suffered a lot from the terrorists inside [Turkey]. And those inside our country [PKK] have joined forces with those terrorists in Syria [YPG]…But we are getting closer to victory with each passing day,” he said.

He added that Turkish military had already advanced 300 square kilometers during the Afrin operation.

On Jan. 20, Turkey launched Operation Olive Branch against YPG militants from Afrin.

Reporter’s code: 50101