Turkey slams YPG/PKK attack killing Armenian cleric

ANKARA

Turkey Thursday strongly condemned the YPG/PKK terrorist attack which claimed the life of a cleric belonging to Syria’s Armenian community.

“We are deeply saddened by the news that a cleric belonging to Syria’s Armenian community lost his life in a heinous attack in the region controlled by the PYD/YPG/PKK terrorist organization,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

“We strongly condemn this act of terror and express our condolences to the people of Syria,” it added.

Reiterating its resolution in fight against all forms and manifestations of terror, Turkey will act with the international community to find the perpetrators of this terrorist attack, the statement noted.

Turkey on Oct. 9 launched Operation Peace Spring to eliminate YPG/PKK terrorists from northern Syria 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 that a safe zone can be created to pave the way for the safe return of some 2 million refugees.