132 SNA martyred fighting YPG in Syria anti-terror op

By Adham Kako and Omer Koparan

TAL ABYAD/RASULAYN, Syria (AA) - Some 132 Syrian National Army (SNA) soldiers have been martyred in attacks by YPG/PKK terrorists as of Friday, since the launch of a Turkey-led anti-terror operation in northern Syria, according to information compiled from SNA commanders.

The Turkish military and SNA continue with security activities to uphold peace in the region.

After the operation was paused, SNA soldiers have been holding the front lines around northern Tal Abyad and Ras Al-Ayn districts and destroying improvised explosive devices recovered from terrorists.

According to SNA commanders, the number of SNA martyrs has reached 132 with 491 wounded amid continuing attacks by YPG/PKK terrorists since the launch of Operation Peace Spring.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan honored on the SNA soldiers, saying during his ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party's meeting on Tuesday that SNA soldiers are "mujahids who kill fear and death" .

Erdogan said: "They have been martyred with our soldiers while they were trying to save and protect their homes. This solidarity takes us to victory.”

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu also told Anadolu Agency on Oct. 23 that "SNA soldiers have always provided a strong contribution" to Turkey's anti-terror operations.

Launched on Oct. 9, the anti-terror 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.

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 Fahri Aksut