Ferdi Turkten
December 14, 2019•Update: December 15, 2019
ANKARA
YPG/PKK terror group launched smear campaigns against the Turkish army in northern Syria, security sources said Saturday.
The terror group planted improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in crowded areas in Qamishli city and then defused them, wrongly blaming the Turkish army for it, said the sources who asked not be named for fear of reprisals.
The terrorists sought to instigate the locals by sharing these videos on social media with the hope of damaging Turkey's reputation.
The sources said the locals were forced to demonstrate against Turkey and its successful anti-terror operation in the region.
Turkey launched Operation Peace Spring on Oct. 9 to eliminate YPG/PKK 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.
Under two separate deals with the U.S. and Russia, Turkey paused the operation to allow the withdrawal of YPG/PKK terrorists from a planned Syrian safe zone.
Ankara wants YPG/PKK terrorists to withdraw from the region so a safe zone can be created to pave the way for the safe return of some 2 million refugees.
In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and EU -- has been responsible for the deaths of nearly 40,000 people, including women, children and infants. The terrorist YPG is the PKK’s Syrian offshoot.
*Writing by Ali Murat Alhas
