Sibel Morrow
08 February 2020•Update: 09 February 2020
ANKARA
The terrorist PKK/YPG terror group continues its harassment fire against Turkish forces in the area of Turkey’s latest anti-terror operation in northern Syria, the National Defense Ministry said Saturday.
“Despite the agreement with the Russian Federation of Oct. 22, 2019, PKK/YPG terrorists continue their presence in the western and eastern regions of the [Operation] Peace Spring area and conduct harassment fire against our elements,” the ministry said in a statement.
This harassment is “properly reciprocated” by Turkish forces, it added.
Since 2016, Turkey has launched a trio of successful anti-terrorist operations across its border into northern Syria to prevent the formation of a terrorist corridor there: Operations Euphrates Shield (2016), Olive Branch (2018), and Peace Spring (2019).
Last October, Turkey launched Operation Peace Spring to eliminate YPG/PKK 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.
Ankara wants YPG/PKK terrorists to withdraw from the region so a safe zone can be created to pave the way for the safe return of some two million refugees.
On Oct. 22, Ankara and Moscow reached a deal under which YPG/PKK terrorists would pull back 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) south of Turkey’s border with Syria, and security forces from Turkey and Russia would mount joint patrols there.
Despite this, YPG/PKK attacks have continued in the region.
In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and EU -- has been responsible for the deaths of 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants. The YPG is the PKK's Syrian offshoot.
