“We will continue to do what is necessary for our nation's tranquility. We will also do what is necessary in the northern part of Syria,” said Erdogan on Tuesday while addressing members of his ruling AK party in Ankara, Press TV reported.

Turkey started operation Olive Branch in Syria in late January with an alleged aim of pushing back Kurdish militants, known as the YPG, from the Kurdish city of Afrin and surrounding areas. The Turkish military finally captured Afrin’s central neighborhood after more than two months of fighting, which inflicted relatively heavy losses on its ranks.

Syria, as well as the United States and several European countries who support the Kurds, have criticized the operation. Turkey, however, has vowed to press ahead with attacks on positions of the YPG.

Erdogan said the Syria operation was part of a wider effort by Turkey to go after Kurdish militants in the south of the country as well as in Iraq’s mountainous Qandil region, where the PKK is based.

“We will not get out from [southeastern mountains of] Cudi, Gabar, Bestler-Dereler, Tendurek, and Qandil,” said Erdogan.

Rights groups and governments have criticized Turkey for its far-reaching crackdown against the Kurds, saying it has mostly targeted civilians instead of militants.

Reporter’s code: 50101