Erdogan marks historic battle against Greek forces

Turkey marked the 98th anniversary of its War of Independence battle against Greek forces Sunday as the threat of a new conflict with Athens looms in the eastern Mediterranean.

"Turkey's struggle for independence and future continues today as well," Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in a message to commemorate Victory Day.

"We don't run away from a fight and we won't shy away from having martyrs and veterans in this struggle," he warned.

In recent weeks, Turkish and Greek forces have engaged in a series of cat-and-mouse military exercises in the seas between Cyprus and the Greek island of Crete.

The confrontation was sparked when Turkey sent a research vessel accompanied by warships to search for gas and oil reserves.

EU member Greece claims the waters are part of its continental shelf and has enlisted the support of the 27-nation bloc, which has condemned Turkey's "illegal activities" and warned of potential sanctions against Ankara.

Turkey says Greece and others are denying its rights to explore for energy resources in the Mediterranean.

Greece and Cyprus have recently been joined by France, Italy and the United Arab Emirates in carrying out naval and aerial war games in the region.

Earlier this week, Athens announced plans to extend its maritime border with Italy to 12 nautical miles.

Turkey says this would be a cause for war.