News - Middle East: Syria has denounced as "brutal aggression" Turkey’s plans to establish a so-called safe zone in the occupied northern part of the war-ravaged country, saying they are part of Ankara's efforts to change the demographic population in the area.

In a statement on Monday, Syrian People’s Assembly said Turkey's efforts to occupy more Syrian territories threaten regional and international peace and security, stressing that Damascus has the full right to use all means to counter the illegitimate presence of the Turkish troops along with their "affiliated terrorist mercenaries.”

The legislature further emphasized “the sovereignty of the Syrian state, the independence of its decision, the unity and safety of its territories and people, and the right to use all legitimate political and military means to defend its sovereignty and people to counter the American, Turkish and Israeli occupations and their affiliated terrorist organizations."

It also condemned Ankara's reluctance to fulfill its obligations under the Astana and Sochi agreements, while denouncing in the “strongest terms” the bombing of villages in northern Syria by the Turkish military.