YPG/PKK plants explosives in glass bottles in N Syria

By Omer Koparan and Adham Kako

RAS AL AYN, Syria /ANKARA (AA) - YPG/PKK terrorists have planted improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in glass bottles in areas they fled in northern Syria, said Turkish forces, who continue sweep and clear efforts in the region.

Turkish Armed Forces and the Syrian National Army (SNA), a rebel group which opposes the Syrian regime, are engaged in efforts to restore peace in the district of Ras al-Ayn.

The district was liberated from YPG/PKK terrorists on Oct. 12 during Turkey’s anti-terror operation dubbed Peace Spring.

The security forces have defused a large number of IEDs as well as landmines planted in plastic cans.

Turkey’s Operation Peace Spring was launched on Oct. 9 to eliminate the 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.

On Oct. 22, Turkey and Russia reached a deal under which YPG/PKK terrorists would pull back 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) south of Turkey’s border with northern Syria within 150 hours and security forces from Turkey and Russia would conduct joint patrols there. The 150-hour period ended on Tuesday.

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK has been responsible for the deaths of 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants. The YPG/PYD is the Syrian offshoot of PKK.