5 Syrian National Army soldiers killed in YPG/PKK terror attack

AFRIN, Syria (AA) - Five members of the Syrian National Army (SNA) were killed and six others injured in an attack by the YPG/PKK terror group in the northern Aleppo province on Monday, according to local sources.

The fatalities occurred when YPG/PKK terrorists attempted to infiltrate SNA positions in Afrin city, the sources said on condition of anonymity.

Five soldiers were killed in ensuing clashes, the sources added.

YPG/PKK terror group continues to target SNA forces and civilian settlements in Afrin and Azaz cities from their positions in Tal Rifat despite a Türkiye-Russia deal that calls for their withdrawal from the area.

On Oct. 9, 2019, Türkiye – with the help of the opposition-based SNA – launched Operation Peace Spring to eliminate terrorists from northern Syria east of the Euphrates River in order to secure Türkiye’s borders, aid in the safe return of Syrian refugees, and ensure Syria’s territorial integrity.

That Oct. 22, Ankara and Moscow reached a deal under which YPG/PKK terrorists pulled back 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) south of Türkiye’s border with northern Syria.

In its more than 35-year terror campaign against Türkiye, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the US, and EU – has been responsible for the deaths of at least 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants. The YPG is the PKK’s Syrian offshoot.

*Writing by Ikram Kouachi in Ankara