YPG/PKK continues attacks despite Turkey-Russia deal

By Esref Musa, Burak Karacaoglu, and Omer Koparan

AZAZ, Syria (AA) - Terror group YPG/PKK has continued attacks on Thursday from Tal Rifat district in northern Syria despite a Turkey-Russia deal that foresees their withdrawal from the region.

The attacks of the terrorists -- who must leave the region until 1500GMT on Oct. 29 -- were repelled by Syrian National Army (SNA).

The YPG/PKK attempted simultaneous infiltration into front lines in south of Azaz and southeast of Afrin provinces.

SNA clashed with the terrorists with heavy arms. After the clashes the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) targeted YPG/PKK terrorists’ locations in Tal Rifat.

Another attack by terrorists on Wednesday martyred four SNA soldiers and wounded seven others in Azaz.

The attacks came after Ankara and Moscow reached Tuesday a deal under which YPG/PKK terrorists will pull back 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) south of Turkey’s border with northern Syria within 150 hours.

On Wednesday, the YPG/PKK withdrawal from northern Syria started in line with Tuesday’s deal.

On Oct. 9, Turkey launched 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.

* Writing by Sena Guler