5 Turkish soldiers wounded in Syria's Ras al-Ayn

ANKARA

Five Turkish soldiers were wounded by PKK/YPG terrorists in Syria's Ras al-Ayn area, Turkish National Defense Ministry said in a statement Thursday.

The soldiers in charge of reconnaissance and surveillance were injured by drone, mortar and light weapon attack in the Operation Peace Spring area, the ministry said.

On Oct. 9, Turkey launched Operation Peace Spring to eliminate terrorists from northern Syria east of the Euphrates River in order to secure Turkey’s borders, aid in the safe return of Syrian refugees, and ensure Syria’s territorial integrity.

The necessary response was given within the framework of self-defense rights, it added.

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the European Union -- has been responsible for deaths of 40,000 people, including women, children and infants. The YPG is the Syrian offshoot of the PKK.