Russia forms observation point in NE Syria

By Mohamad Misto and Omer Koparan

AL-HASAKAH, Syria / ANKARA, Turkey (AA) - Russia has established a military observation point in Syria's northeastern Al-Hasakah province, according to local sources.

Some 70 to 80 Russian military police officers with armored vehicles settled in a farm at the northern entrance of Tal Tamr town.

The town which is occupied by the YPG/PKK terrorist group is located on the strategic M4 highway, southeast of the Turkey-led Peace Spring operation's area.

Russian forces also set up an observation point for the highway crossings in the town.

There are also a small number of Bashar al-Assad regime forces in the town.

Russian troops carried out several patrols in the surrounding villages for about a month before settling in its current location.

With the start of Peace Spring, U.S. forces withdrew from areas near the operation area and Russian troops moved into some of the abandoned houses.

Turkey on Oct. 9 launched Operation Peace Spring to eliminate YPG/PKK terrorists 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 wants YPG/PKK terrorists to withdraw from the region so a safe zone can be created to pave the way for the safe return of two million refugees.

Under two separate deals with the U.S. and Russia, Turkey paused the operation to allow the withdrawal of YPG/PKK terrorists from the planned northern Syria safe zone.

However, the terrorists have failed to withdraw from some areas and continue to attack soldiers and civilians.

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and EU -- 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 Mahmoud Barakat