Letter from TOBB to the world explaining 'Operation Peace Spring'

The letter, prepared with the signature of The Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB) President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu in order to explain to the world that Operation Peace Spring is a legitimate operation in accordance with international rules, has begun to be sent to counterpart business organisations in 190 countries and to the 7 largest business organisations on 5 continents: Eurochambres in Europe; the Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Union of Arab Chambers in Asia; the Union of African Chambers in Africa; and the US Chamber and the Association of Latin American Chambers in America.​

The letter stated that the aim of the operation is both to ensure the security of the country's borders and to eliminate the terror corridor posing a threat to the countries of the region, and that Türkiye is exercising its right arising from universal law and international rules.

The letter, which stated that by clearing the region of terrorist organisations the Syrian people would be saved from the oppression and cruelty of terrorists, emphasised that an environment of peace, security and tranquillity would thus be re-established in the region.

Stating that Türkiye's determination to fight terrorist organisations is complete, it was underlined that full support has been given from the outset to the efforts put forward internationally within this framework.

It was stated that DAESH and PYD/YPG terrorism had previously been successfully combated with Operations Euphrates Shield and Olive Branch, and it was noted that the Syria-based terror threat against Türkiye's borders has not ended, and that harassment and hostile acts by elements of the PYD/YPG terrorist organisation stationed beyond the border, particularly east of the Euphrates, continue.

The formations in the region were described in detail, including the terrorist activities of the PYD/YPG in the region and the mutual interest relations of the said organisation with DAESH militants.

• Türkiye is exercising its right of self-defence The letter also stated that Türkiye is exercising its right arising from universal law and international rules, and that the operation was launched within the framework of the United Nations Security Council counter-terrorism resolutions and the right of self-defence set out in the UN Charter. Drawing attention to the fact that the operation is being conducted on the basis of respect for the territorial integrity and unity of Syria, the letter used the following expressions: "As in previous operations, in the planning and execution of this operation only the said terrorist elements and the shelters, hideouts, positions, weapons, vehicles and equipment belonging to these elements are being targeted, and all necessary measures are being taken to ensure that the civilian population is not harmed. The bases and observation posts of our allies are not targets. Military deconfliction channels are open and functioning." Underlining that Türkiye's counter-terrorism efforts will also contribute to the preservation of the territorial integrity and unity of Syria, the following was noted: "For Türkiye, the only country fighting hand-to-hand against DAESH on the ground in Syria, the situation of DAESH detainees is of great importance. We believe that the repatriation of all foreign terrorist fighters by their countries of origin is the only sustainable solution. The problem of foreign terrorist fighters can only be solved through the joint efforts of the international community."