Turkey's only exclave has been temporarily relocated to a new site within Syria due to the ongoing conflict in the country, Turkey's Foreign Ministry announced Sunday morning.
Turkish forces surrounded a site planned to be where the Suleyman Shah Tomb will be rehoused near the Turkish border inside Syria.
"Based on extensive assessments, the Tomb of Suleyman Shah and Saygi Outpost, together with the sarcophagus itself, have been temporarily moved to a new site within Syria, corresponding to the acreage of the previous one, in the north of Suriye Eşmesi village close to the Turkish borders," a statement released by the foreign ministry said.
Protected by Turkish troops, the Suleyman Shah Tomb and surrounding area, are located in Aleppo's Manbij district, 37 km away from the Turkish border.
Turkish soldiers guarding the tomb of Suleyman Shah, grandfather of the founder of the Ottoman Empire, and threatened by ISIS militants were evacuated successfully, Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu told.
"Turkish troops entered Syria with 100 vehicles, 39 tanks and 57 armoured vehicles, and 572 soldiers. Around 0030am (2230gmt), our troops reached Suleyman Shah Saygi outpost. They completed their mission quickly and a religious ceremony was held for moving the remains, he said.
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This handout picture released by the Turkish Prime Minister's Press office shows Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu (C) addressing the media flanked by Chief of Staff General Necdet Ozel and Defence Minister Ismet click for watch Yilmaz (R) in Ankara on February 22, 2015. AFP
"Unfortunately one soldier had been killed in an accident. There was no clashes. He has been martyred as a result of an accident after the operation has started”, Turkish Prime Minister added.
"There will be a ceremony today and in a couple of days, the Turkish flag that has been taken from Manjib district will be raised at the new area by Turkish troops and the remains of Suleyman Shah will be buried to this new place for eternal rest”, he said.
"The decision for this mission has been taken in Ankara within the rule of law and a parliamentary motion a state of law and we have not sought permission or assistance from anyone for the mission “he concluded.
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Turkish tanks head to military base on border town of Mursitpinar on Sunday (February 22) as security tightens on border.