28 January 2018•Update: 29 January 2018
AZAZ, Syria
Reinforced concrete structures prepared for long-term sheltering and tunnel systems were found on strategically important Mt. Bursaya, which was captured by Turkish Armed Forces from PYD/PKK terrorist organization on Sunday.
Mt. Bursaya, which has an altitude of 848 meters and is one of the critical points near the Syria-Turkey border, is notable with its dominant location to overlook Turkey's Kilis province and Syria’s Azaz district, near Syria-Turkey border.
There are efficient observation and firing points on the mountain.
The terrorist PYD/PKK has used Mt. Bursaya to target civilians in the center of Turkey’s Kilis province and Syria’s Azaz district through mortar shells, artillery, and missiles.
Due to strategic significance of the mountain, the terrorist organization PYD/PKK had built concrete bunkers on Mt. Bursaya, which were interconnected by a reinforced tunnel system, turning it into a resistance center.
On the other hand, Turkish military and Free Syrian Army (FSA) held examinations around the field after securing the mountain, where incomplete building structures were spotted. PYD/PKK is thought to cover the top of these buildings and make them endurable to airstrikes and other assaults.
During the examinations, it was found out that the terror group had built trenches, fire and observation towers which were built by concrete blocks as thick as a meter. The terror group had presumably planned for a long period of defense and sheltering in Mt. Bursaya.
Turkey launched Operation Olive Branch on Jan. 20 to rid Afrin, northwestern Syria, of PYD/PKK and Daesh terrorists. The operation aims to establish security and stability along Turkey’s borders and the region as well as protect Syrians from terrorist oppression and cruelty.
* Ali Murat Alhas contributed to this report from Ankara.
