Turkish soldier wounded in Syria succumbs to wounds

By Adsiz Gunebakan

GAZIANTEP, Turkey (AA) - A Turkish soldier being treated for injuries sustained during the ongoing Operation Euphrates Shield in northern Syria succumbed to his wounds Friday, a security source said.

Sergeant Selcuk Erdogan, 33, had been undergoing treatment at Gaziantep Dr. Ersin Aslan Training and Research Hospital after being wounded in Al-Bab on Dec. 21, the source said on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on talking to the media.

Sukru Erdogan, Selcuk's father, responded to journalists' questions in front of the hospital. "I want our state and nation to be everlasting."

"If we are going to be a martyr for this cause, [yes] we will," he said.

Sukru Erdogan added that he was a retired soldier, and said this prayer: "May Allah accept my son's and others' martyrdom."

The operation, in which the Free Syrian Army (FSA) is backed by Turkish artillery, tanks, air power and special forces, is currently focused on taking the town of Al-Bab from Daesh - a battle that has seen the FSA and Turkish military also come into conflict with the PKK/PYD terrorist organization.

More than 1,300 Daesh terrorists have been killed since Turkey launched its military campaign in northern Syria.

The military said 1,362 had been killed since Operation Euphrates Shield was launched on Aug. 24, with a further 168 wounded and six taken prisoner.