Turkey: Basic needs being met in northern Syria

SANLIURFA, Turkey

Sweep activities are ongoing in two Syrian districts, which have been cleared of terrorists during Turkey’s anti-terror operation in the region, according to a Turkish provincial governorate on Monday.

According to the governor's office of Turkey's border province of Sanliurfa, the activities are ongoing in Tal Abyad and Ras al-Ayn districts, which had been occupied by YPG/PKK terrorists for many years, and were deprived of urban services.

The region was cleared of terrorists with Turkey’s anti-terror operation, and basic needs of locals such as drinking water, food, energy, and hygiene are started to be met, the governorate said.

Debris removal and cleaning efforts are also ongoing in the region that was affected by mortar and rocket attacks by the terrorists, it added.

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 would pull back 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) south of Turkey’s border with Syria within 150 hours, and security forces from Turkey and Russia would 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 Sena Guler