05 10 2016, 16:01 Güncelleme: 16:02
"Coalition forces plan two big operations towards Raqqa and Mosul in a short while. Especially Mosul operation is very critical for Turkey" said Fikri Isik, Turkey’s defense minister one week after President Tayyip Erdogan's declared that Mosul offensive will commence on October 19.
Isik also said that any offensive that is heedless of the city’s demographic structure and is poorly planned would set off a massive wave of would-be migrants to Turkey.
The parliament which approved 13-months extension of an existing mandate to use Turkish troops abroad in Syria and Iraq on Oct. 1, didn't held a special meeting for the said offensive yet. However, in an interview with Haber Turk TV, presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said that 5 thousands people are trained for Mosul operation in Bashika Camp.
Turkey is operating Euphrates Shield since Aug. 24. It is aimed at bolstering border security, supporting coalition forces, and eliminating the threat posed by Daesh.
The operation is in line with the mandate given to Turkey’s armed forces by its parliament in 2014, which was extended for another year in September 2015.
Euphrates Shield's effect on Turkish markets was limited. BIST index lost 2,8 percent of its value.
