Turkey destroys hundreds of mines, IEDs in Syria operation

By Dilara Hamit

ANKARA (AA) – Turkish security forces have destroyed 442 mines and 988 improvised explosive devices during their anti-terror operation in northern Syria, the National Defense Ministry said on Saturday.

"In order to ensure safety and security of Syrian civilians in the Operation Peace Spring area, our heroic commandos continue to destroy IEDs and mines placed by PKK/YPG terrorists," the ministry said on twitter.

Turkey launched on Oct. 9 Operation Peace Spring to eliminate 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.

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 deaths of 40,000 people, including women, children and infants. The YPG is the Syrian offshoot of the PKK.