Turkish parties extend condolences for killed troops

Turkish political parties on Feb. 28 extended condolences to the nation over loss of lives of Turkish soldiers in an airstrike by the Bashar al-Assad regime forces in Idlib, northwestern Syria.

The "murderer regime" in Syria and those who encourage it will pay the heaviest price for their treachery, Turkey's ruling party spokesman said.

In a post on Twitter, Ömer Çelik, spokesman for the Justice and Development Party (AKP), extended his condolences to the families of the Turkish soldiers who were killed in Idlib.

Çelik wished a quick recovery to the injured.

He underlined that the heinous attack will meet with a response it deserves.

Çelik said Turkey is determined to continue its struggle in line with international law to achieve its targets.

When asked Turkey's next diplomatic steps, Çelik said a consultation process with the NATO military alliance would start on Feb. 28.

"It must not be forgotten that the Turkish Armed Forces protect both Turkey's national security and the southern border of NATO. An attack directed towards Turkey means an attack on NATO," he said.

Also speaking on Turkish television, Çelik said Turkey's refugee policy has not changed, but Turkey will no longer be able to contain the refugees.

"I wish Allah's mercy to martyred soldiers and extend my condolences to their families and our nation. Allah bless our soldiers," Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, the leader of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), said on Twitter.

Meral Akşener, the head of the opposition İYİ (Good) Party, also turned to Twitter to extend her condolences.

"I wish Allah's mercy to our heroes who became martyrs for the motherland," Akşener said.

According to a...

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