Turkey: Assyrian foundation supports north Syrian op

By Zeynep Rakipoglu

ISTANBUL (AA) - The Assyrian Kadim Foundation said Friday it supports Turkey’s Operation Peace Spring and hopes it brings peace and tranquility to the region.

"We hope that our soldiers who fight for their lives in the operation will return to their country unharmed," it said in a written statement.

The foundation said it appreciated Turkey's struggle against terrorists.

"God have mercy on our fallen soldiers. We wish a speedy recovery to the injured," it added.

Turkey on Wednesday launched Operation Peace Spring east of the Euphrates River in northern Syria to secure its borders by eliminating terrorists there and to ensure the safe return of Syrian refugees and Syria’s territorial integrity.

Ankara wants to eliminate from the region terrorist elements of the 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 the deaths of 40,000 people, including women, children and infants. The PYD/YPG is its Syrian offshoot.

*Writing by Dilara Hamit