Turkey-backed SNA responds to attacks by YPG/PKK

By Omer Koparan

RAS AL-AYN, Syria (AA) - Turkey-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) continued to fight the YPG/PKK terrorists, who targeted the frontlines and areas liberated from terrorists by Turkey’s anti-terror operation in northern Syria.

Turkish-backed SNA soldiers have been thwarting the attacks and violations by terrorists, especially in the east of Syria’s Ras al-Ayn town, recently liberated from YPG/PKK terrorists.

The YPG/PKK terrorists continue their attacks despite Turkey’s deals with the U.S. and Russia on the withdrawal of the terror group from northeastern Syria.

The SNA soldiers continue search and sweep activities in the region. In the last 24 hours, four SNA soldiers were martyred in YPG/PKK terrorist attacks.

So far, at least 198 SNA soldiers have been martyred in the attacks since the launch of Ankara-led anti-terror operation in northern Syria.

According to the SNA commanders in the field, a total of 643 SNA soldiers were also wounded and one soldier went missing during the Operation Peace Spring.

Launched on Oct. 9, the Operation Peace Spring 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 will pull back 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) south of Turkey’s border with Syria within 150 hours, and security forces from Turkey and Russia will 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.