“Currently, in 81 provinces, Turkey's leading 30 professional organizations, trade union confederations and non-governmental organizations are making this statement together.

We stood by our nation and our state at every critical time.

We acted with responsibility.

Today, we are showing our joint reaction to the treacherous attack in Idlib.

First of all, may Allah bless the spirits of all our heroic soldiers who were martyred in their mission to defend the peace, security of the homeland and the oppressed. May Allah make the abode of our martyrs a paradise. May patience and fortitude be given to their relatives and urgent healing to the wounded. I'm sorry for the loss of our nation.

Our troops were in Idlib, protecting both our country's borders and the oppressed.

Because the world remained silent against the persecution in Syria, the brutal slaughter of hundreds of thousands of civilians, the expulsion of millions from their homes, the land.

Unfortunately, Turkey's peace-oriented efforts have not been reciprocated by many countries.

We're calling again from here.

There is a regime which has not taken on its share of humanity; disregarding all moral, human and religious values, targeting even the lives of its own citizens, driving them from their country.

It is driving Syria to more and more severe destruction every day.

Finally, the regime forces, by not complying with agreements, ambushed our soldiers in treachery.

This attack can never be acceptable.

Therefore, we cannot be expected to remain silent against these regime elements that slaughter innocent people and pose a clear threat to the security of our country.

It is our historical, human and conscientious responsibility to protect the right of our Syrian brothers and sisters who have historical and cultural ties and who have fled the persecution of the regime.

So far, the Turkish State and Armed Forces have given the strongest answer to terrorist organizations and their supporters with the Euphrates Shield, Olive Branch and Peace Spring Operations.

Of course, the perpetrators of this brutal attack will pay the price.

They’ve begun paying with Operation Spring Shield.

And let everyone know that we are a nation that knows how to overcome all manner of challenges.

When it comes to the homeland, we put aside all political and intellectual divisions.

Now we act in unity and solidarity, showing patience and fraternity.

We hold the interests of our country above all else.

Today we are stronger than ever; we are united, whole and together. As the business community and NGOs representing all parts of Turkey, we have closed ranks under our flag.

We stand with our state and our heroic armed forces, who are fighting decisively against the murderous regime.

We stand by every decision and every step to be taken for the establishment of peace.

May Allah bless our country, preserve the unity and persistence of our nation, and make our army victorious."