YPG/PKK terror group violates Turkey-US deal on Syria

By Gozde Bayar

ANKARA (AA) - YPG/PKK terrorists have violated the agreement between Turkey and the U.S. on northern Syria, Turkey’s Defense Ministry said on Monday.

Since Thursday when Turkey and the U.S. agreed to the 120-hour pause in Turkey’s Syria operation in order to allow the withdrawal of YPG/PKK terrorists from the planned safe zone, the terror group carried out 36 harassing fires/violations in northern Syria, Lt. Cmdr. Nadide Sebnem Aktop, a spokeswoman for the ministry, told reporters in the capital Ankara.

On Oct. 17, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and U.S. Vice President Mike Pence also agreed on Turkey having 32-kilometer (20-mile) safe zone south of the Turkish border in Syria.

On Oct. 9, Turkey launched Operation Peace Spring to eliminate terrorists from northern Syria in order to secure Turkey’s borders, aid in the safe return of Syrian refugees and ensure Syria’s territorial integrity.

Aktop said Turkish security forces “neutralized” 765 YPG/PKK terrorists so far during the anti-terror operation east of the Euphrates River to purge the region from terrorist PKK and its Syrian offshoot YPG/PYD.

Turkish authorities often use the word "neutralized" to imply the terrorists in question surrendered or were killed or captured.

Turkey’s Syria operation has liberated a total of 111 settlements in northern Syria so far, Aktop said, adding that 1,500 square-km (579-mi) wide area was taken under control.

She also reiterated that Turkish security forces have not used any chemical weapon or ammunition which are banned by the international law and treaties.

Aktop also said Operation Peace Spring has caused no civilian casualties in Syria.

Turkey closely monitors the YPG/PKK withdrawal from the region under the 120-hour pause agreement, she added.

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.