«The operations we are conducting in Syria have two objectives: First, to eliminate terrorism at its source, and second, to prevent a wave of migration that may be directed towards our country,» sources from the Defense Ministry told reporters in Ankara on Oct. 10.

They said no major migration would occur through Syria and assured that preventative measures are in place in regions under Turkish control.

Meanwhile, Foreign Ministry sources reported the evacuation of 966 individuals from Lebanon on Oct. 10, including 878 Turkish citizens and 24 Northern Cypriots, along with first-degree relatives of them.

Their statement contradicted earlier claims that Syrian citizens were being prioritized.

As part of the operation, over 2,000 Turkish citizens and foreign nationals are expected to be evacuated aboard military ships that are also delivering humanitarian aid to Lebanon, which has been affected by Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah.

A convoy of six ships, supported by naval escorts, departed from the southern Turkish port of Mersin early on Oct. 9. The convoy carried 300 tons of humanitarian supplies, including food, hygiene kits, kitchenware, tents, beds and blankets.