WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the withdrawal of the main contingent of Russian forces from Syria after a six-month aerial operation against terrorists in the country, stating the troops had accomplished their mission.
"Withdrawal of the Russian forces in Syria… may encourage the Turkish government to have an upper hand in the region and prolong the war as the Turkish government's support for the radical groups may intensify even more," Yuksel stated.
Russia's active involvement in the war in Syria, Yuksel noted, made it more challenging for Turkey to enter into the country for fear of a possible war with Moscow, especially considering tensions have reached an all-time high.
Russian officials have previously accused the Turkish government of being in league with terrorist groups, including involvement in the oil smuggling operations of the Islamic State, otherwise known as Daesh.
