Turkish soldier succumbs to injuries from rocket attack in northern Syria

By Yusuf Soykan Bal

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

Specialist Sgt. Ramazan Ucakci was hospitalized after a serious injury on Aug. 23 in the Operation Olive Branch zone, the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry wished Allah's mercy upon Ucakci, saying he was a "heroic martyr" and offering condolences and patience to his family, the Turkish Armed Forces, and the nation.

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 EU -- has been responsible for the deaths of over 40,000 people, including women, children and infants. The YPG is the PKK's Syrian offshoot.