World, Middle East

224 SNA martyred fighting YPG/PKK terrorists in N Syria

Some 692 soldiers of Turkey-backed Syrian National Army wounded in terror attacks

Adham Kako and Omer Koparan  | 15.11.2019 - Update : 16.11.2019
224 SNA martyred fighting YPG/PKK terrorists in N Syria

RAS AL-AYN, Syria / ANKARA, Turkey 

At least 224 soldiers of Turkey-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) have been martyred in attacks by YPG/PKK terrorists since Ankara launched an anti-terror operation in northern Syria last month.

According to the SNA commanders in the field, a total of 692 SNA soldiers were wounded and one soldier went missing during the Operation Peace Spring.

SNA soldiers have been thwarting the attacks and violations by terrorists, especially in northern Tal Abyad and Ras al-Ayn districts, recently liberated from YPG/PKK terrorists.

The YPG/PKK terrorists continue their attacks despite Turkey’s deals with the U.S. and Russia on the withdrawal of the terror group from northeastern Syria.

Launched on Oct. 9, the Operation Peace Spring 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.

* Writing by Gozde Bayar

Anadolu Agency website contains only a portion of the news stories offered to subscribers in the AA News Broadcasting System (HAS), and in summarized form. Please contact us for subscription options.