2 Turkish police officers killed in blast in Syria’s Tal-Abyad

By Yasin Dikme

SANLIURFA, Türkiye (AA) - Two Turkish police officers were killed in Syria’s Tal-Abyad region after detonation of explosive material, authorities said on Sunday.

The explosives were to be used in attacks in Türkiye planned by the PKK terrorist organization and its affiliates, the Sanliurfa governorate said in a statement.

The material detonated during an operation, killing two Turkish police officers, it added.

A local police official was also killed while 11 others, including four locals, were injured.

The wounded personnel were shifted to a hospital in the Akcakale district of southeastern province of Sanliurfa.

“We wish God's mercy on our martyrs and a quick recovery to our wounded,” the statement said.

Since 2016, Türkiye 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 Türkiye, the PKK — listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the US and EU — has been responsible for the deaths of more than 40,000 people, including women, children and infants.

*Writing by Gozde Bayar