Air strikes 'neutralize' 25 PKK/PYD terrorists in Syria

ANKARA

Turkey’s military says 25 PKK/PYD terrorists were “neutralized” in northern Syria in an air strike on Sunday.

In a statement, the Turkish Armed Forces said the air campaign was carried out against terrorist groups which had attacked Turkish soldiers supporting a Free Syrian Army (FSA) operation in Jarabulus. Five buildings used by the terrorists were also destroyed.

The Turkish military said it was showing the “utmost sensitivity” and taking “all necessary measures” to prevent damage to the local civilian population.

Turkey has said the Euphrates Shield operation, which started on Aug. 24, is aimed at improving border security, supporting coalition forces and eliminating the threat posed by terror organizations, especially Daesh.

Turkey’s campaign in northern Syria is being carried out in accordance with international law and the right of self-defense enshrined in Article 51 of the UN Charter.

The FSA, as part of the Euphrates Shield operation, also liberated a village south of Jarabulus district controlled by the PYD terrorist organization, the Syrian wing of the PKK.

Ahmet Genco, commander of the FSA’s Nurettin Zengi group, told Anadolu Agency on Sunday that Syrian opposition forces had taken control of Amarne village from the PYD.

He said PYD members who controlled the region were “neutralized”, while a large amount of ammunition was seized.

Rockets, grenades, sniper rifles, mortar shells and a large number of bullets were among the seized materiel.

Genco said PYD terrorists tried to use civilians found in the village as shields.

FSA fighters who cleared Jarabulus of Daesh terrorists continue to advance toward the south of the district.

*Reporting by Sinan Uslu and Sarp Ozer; Writing by Fatjon Prroni