46 Syrian National troops martyred in Turkey’s anti-terror op

By Omer Koparan and Adham Kako

TAL ABYAD/RAS AL-AYN, Syria (AA) - At least 46 Syrian National Army (SNA) soldiers have been martyred during Turkey’s anti-terror operation in northern Syria since its launch last week.

A total of 136 SNA soldiers have also been injured during Operation Peace Spring, which was launched on Oct. 9 to eliminate YPG/PKK terrorists from northern Syria in order to secure Turkey’s borders, aid in the safe return of Syrian refugees, and ensure Syria’s territorial integrity.

Clashes with the YPG/PKK terrorists is ongoing as the counter-terrorism operation is underway in various locations of Tal Abyad and Ras al-Ayn districts on the Syria-Turkey border.

The operation has cleared two district centers, a town and tens of villages of the YPG/PKK terrorists so far.

Ankara wants to clear northern Syria east of the Euphrates River of the terrorist PKK and its Syrian offshoot, the PYD/YPG.

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 deaths of 40,000 people, including women, children and infants.

*Writing by Sena Guler