TEHRAN, Jun. 02 (MNA) – Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler speculated that Turkish troops could be withdrawn from Syria if total security of the border is ensured.

"We can consider an option to withdraw our troops from Syria after the security of our border is completely ensured, and if such need arises," the minister said, according to TASS.

Under the pretext of fighting PKK terrorists, Turkey has deployed its troops in areas of northern Iraq and Syria and is conducting aerial attacks on parts of the northern areas of these countries.

Ankara has received widespread criticism from both Iraqi and Kurdish authorities in Baghdad and Erbil as well as the international community for violating Iraqi sovereignty under the pretext of fighting the PKK.

MP/PR