Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has revealed that his country will be ready to "cleanse three Syrian cities of terrorists", Kobani, Manbij and Tell Rifaat, when a new cross-border operation is launched.

"We have already formed part of the safe corridor with cross-border operations. We will deal with the rest gradually," Erdogan explained.

The Turkish head of state spoke about the possible plans when he spoke in Parliament.

On November 20, the Turkish Defense Ministry announced the start of the operation. Ankara considers the Kurdistan Workers' Party in Syria to be involved in a terrorist attack in the center of Istanbul.

Erdogan also clarified that the Turkish Armed Forces' operations in northern Syria and Iraq "are only the beginning." According to the Turkish head of state, Ankara is determined to ensure border security.