Turkish soldier succumbs to injuries from mortar attack in northern Syria

By Ahmet Gencturk

ANKARA (AA) – A Turkish soldier succumbed to his injuries from a mortar attack in northern Syria, the National Defense Ministry said Thursday.

Specialist Haydar Senel was hospitalized after getting seriously injured on May 13 in the Operation Olive Branch area, the ministry said in a statement.

"We wish Allah's mercy upon our heroic martyr, and offer our condolences and patience to his precious family, the Turkish Armed Forces and the nation," the statement read.

Since 2016, Ankara has launched a trio of successful anti-terror operations across its border in northern Syria to prevent the formation of a terror corridor and enable the peaceful settlement of residents: Euphrates Shield (2016), Olive Branch (2018), and Peace Spring (2019).

In its more than 35-year terror campaign against Turkiye, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Turkiye, the US and European Union – has been responsible for the deaths of over 40,000 people, including women, children and infants. The YPG is the PKK's Syrian offshoot.