RAS AL-AYN, Syria

Civil and military units in Syria’s northeastern Ras al-Ayn district, which was liberated from YPG/PKK terrorists in Oct. 2019 as part of Turkey's Operation Peace Spring, met Thursday to discuss ongoing efforts to ensure stability and development in the region.

Syrian National Army (SNA) commanders, members of tribes and local councils attended the meeting.

During his opening speech, Halil Rzeyko, the leader of Syrian tribe of al-Sharabin, thanked Turkish Armed Forces, Turkish people and the government for their support to the SNA during the operation.

Commander Avad Rahmun said a joint commission consisting of military police and SNA was established to restore the rights of civilians who suffered injustice in the region.

Turkey launched Operation Peace Spring last year to secure Turkey's borders by eliminating the terror group from northern Syria east of the Euphrates River, 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 US and EU -- has been responsible for the deaths of nearly 40,000 people, including women, children and infants. The YPG is the PKK's Syrian offshoot.

* Writing by Zehra Nur Duz