‘Turkey should resume anti-terror operation in N.Syria’

ANKARA

Turkey should resume its anti-terror Operation Peace Spring in northern Syria, a Turkish political leader said on Wednesday.

"The operation should continue until all targets are achieved," Mustafa Destici, head of the Grand Unity Party (BBP), told reporters in parliament.

Destici also called on government to set up military bases in northern Syria.

"Just as the U.S. and Russia set up bases [in the region], Turkey should not hesitate to make such kind of formations," he added.

Turkey on Oct. 9 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.

Under two separate deals with the U.S. and Russia, Turkey paused the operation to allow the withdrawal of YPG/PKK terrorists from the planned northern Syria safe zone.

However, the terrorists have failed to withdraw from some areas and continue to attack both soldiers and civilians.

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.