YPG/PKK terrorists harass Turkey's safe-zone op. area in N.Syria

ANKARA

YPG/PKK terror group continues to violate the safe-zone deals Turkey hammered with the U.S. and Russia, and attacks Turkey's anti-terror operation area, the National Defense Ministry said on Wednesday.

In an official statement, the ministry said YPG/PKK terrorists continued to hit areas in northern Syria -- which were rid of terror elements following Turkey's counter-terrorism operation launched on Oct. 9.

According to the ministry, the terror group carried out 11 attacks, mostly with the use of mortars and anti-tank missiles in the past 24 hours.

Operation Peace Spring, launched on Oct. 9, aims to eliminate terrorist YPG/PKK elements 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 agreed with Washington on Oct. 17 to pause its operation to allow YPG/PKK terrorists to withdraw from the planned safe zone.

On Oct. 22, Ankara and Moscow reached a deal under which YPG/PKK terrorists will 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.