Turkish forces seize explosive materials in N.Syria

ANKARA

Turkish security forces destroyed 752 mines and 1,381 improvised explosives as part of its anti-terror operation in northern Syria, the country’s National Defense Ministry said on Friday.

“In order to ensure the safety of the civilians in the Operation Peace Spring area, our heroic commandos continue disabling mines planted and rigged as booby traps by PKK/YPG terrorists,” the ministry said in a tweet.

“Until now, 1,381 IEDs [improvised explosive devices] and 752 mines have been identified and disabled,” it added.

Turkey launched on Oct. 9 Operation Peace Spring to eliminate 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.

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 deaths of 40,000 people, including women, children and infants. The YPG is the Syrian offshoot of the PKK.