Turkey urges int'l support to locals to drive IS out of Raqqa

ANKARA, Feb 20 (KUNA) -- Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus has urged the international community to offer logistical support to local elements to liberate the Syrian city of Raqqa from so-called Islamic State (IS) group.
In a press conference after the cabinet meeting, Kurtulmus suggested that reliance on local fighters as it was the case with the liberation of the Al-Bab city from the IS could be effective in defeating IS in Raqqa.
"We can use the same model in Raqqa. International community should support the capable local population in Raqqa. Turkey, US, and other elements can give logistic support to this city," he said He stressed that his country would not allow any other terrorist organization to control Raqqa.
"(This city) should not be left in the hands of other terrorist organizations.
"Our position against terrorist organizations will never change. Both IS and (Kurdistan Workers' Party) PKK will be seen as terrorist organizations," he said.
On Sunday, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey's target after liberating Al-Bab, Syria, from the IS is the town of Manbij. (end) rs.ibi