Turkish citizen newest martyr to YPG/PKK terror attacks

SANLIURFA,Turkey

A Turkish citizen on Sunday succumbed to injuries sustained in a YPG/PKK terror attack last month in southeastern Turkey.

Halil Yogurt, who served on the provincial education directorate, was injured in an Oct. 10 YPG/PKK mortar and rocket attack fired from Tal Abyad, Syria targeting Akcakale, Sanliurfa.

Yogurt's passing pushes up the number of civilians in southern Turkey martyred since the start of Turkey’s anti-terror operation in northern Syria last month and the ensuing terrorist YPG/PKK mortar and rocket attacks to 18 – including a woman, two children, and one infant – plus 36 injuries.

Launched on Oct. 9, Operation Peace Spring aims to eliminate the terrorist YPG/PKK 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.

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 within 150 hours, and security forces from Turkey and Russia will mount joint patrols there.

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the European Union -- has been responsible for the deaths of 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants. The YPG is the PKK’s Syrian offshoot.

* Writing by Burak Bir