"Our brothers are there and our relatives are there. It is out of the question that we are not involved."
Commenting on Erdogan's statement, Turkish political commentator Metehan Demir told Sputnik Turkiye that Ankara is so eager to take part in the operation simply because it is pursuing its own political interests.
"Each military move and armed clash have a political purpose. And Turkey self-evidently insists on its participation due to its political interests," the expert told Sputnik.
"Taking into account Mosul's energy resources and its strategic location as well as its place in Turkish history it becomes clear why Ankara is so persistent on taking its position in the lineup of forces in Iraq," he added.
"The same very army which is now leading the offensive on Mosul was running away from Daesh militants without any resistance back in June 2014," he said.
He further added that for two years the Iraqi government has been indifferent towards Daesh atrocities, and has only now decided to launch an assault to liberate the city.
The expert explained that there is a new balance of power, and that the major players are pursuing their own interests under the pretext of either religious or ethnic motives.
