We welcome the successful completion of the military operation started on
20 August 2017 for the liberation of Tal Afar, populated densely by our
Turkmen brothers and sisters in Iraq throughout history and which has been
under the occupation of DEASH terrorist organization since June 2014.
On this occasion, we share the sufferings of the people of Tal Afar who are
among the greatest victims in Iraq of the atrocities of DEASH which has
also targeted our country with its brutal terrorist acts.
We emphasize that, as a country which opened its doors to tens of thousands
of people from Tal Afar who escaped from DEASH, Turkey will continue to
stand by the people of Tal Afar in the post-DEASH period.
In the upcoming period, bringing to justice the perpetrators of DEASH
atrocities in Tal Afar and their proper retribution; establishment of
control in the town by legitimate Iraqi security forces and the people of
Tal Afar themselves instead of militia groups who act according to their
own agenda; elimination of the problems which paved the way for the
emergence of DEASH and other radical organizations, as well as rapid
stabilization and reconstruction of Tal Afar will be of vital importance.
In this critical period, Turkey is ready to help the Government of Iraq and
the people of Tal Afar by all available means.