“We will remain in Afrin and we will be there until we assure its security," Erdogan said, speaking at the Istanbul Youth Festival.

“Idlib, Tal Rifaat and Manbij will be next,” he added, naming Syrian provinces.

Turkey launched “Operation Olive Branch” on Jan. 20 to clear People’s Protection Units (YPG) militants from Afrin. On March 18, Turkish-backed troops declared full control of Afrin town center, which had been controlled by the YPG since 2012.

Speaking about Operation Euphrates Shield, held from August 2016 to late March 2017, Erdogan said Turkey had delayed its right to intervene.

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