SANLIURFA, Turkey
A U.S. jazz singer, who converted to Islam earlier this year, voiced support for Turkey’s ongoing anti-terror operation in northern Syria.
Della Miles who has worked with global stars -- including Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston -- met with locals in Turkey’s border district of Akcakale, southeastern Sanliurfa province.
She visited the region to show her solidarity with people and gave a warm hug to the children.
“I say don’t stop, please keep going and it should be like a wave InshAllah (God willing),” Miles told Anadolu Agency.
She stressed that Turkey's anti-terror operation should keep going until it reaches its all goals.
“They should remove the terrorists from the region and peace should come there. Not just me but everyone in the world should contribute to it,” Miles added.
Underlining that she stands by people in Akcakale, Miles said she preferred to visit the region rather than relying on fake news and disinformation on the Western and the U.S. media.
“As an American, I came here rather than relying on their broadcasting. I support the peace operation,” she said.
She went on to say that everyone should visit the region and express support for the operation.
Turkey on Oct. 9 launched Operation Peace Spring to eliminate terrorists from northern Syria in order to secure Turkey’s borders, aid in the safe return of Syrian refugees, and ensure Syria’s territorial integrity.
Ankara wants to clear east of the Euphrates River of the terrorist PKK and the YPG, its Syrian offshoot.
In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the European Union -- has been responsible for deaths of 40,000 people, including women, children and infants.
*Writing by Gozde Bayar
