Hundreds of rocket launchers, IEDs seized in N Syria

By Sena Guler

ANKARA (AA) – Turkish security forces have seized hundreds of rocket launchers and dozens of improvised explosive devices during search and sweep activities in northern Syria, according to Turkey’s National Defense Ministry.

“Our commandos who have conducted search and sweep operations in Ras al-Ayn, have captured a total of 683 rocket launchers and 93 IED [improvised explosive device] casings in a single story building which was converted to a weapons production facility,” the ministry said on Twitter.

Ras al-Ayn district located east of the Euphrates River in northern Syria was liberated from terrorists during Turkey’s anti-terror Operation Peace Spring that was launched on Oct. 9.

The operation 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.