The PKK- affiliated YPG militants have violated the safe zone deal with the US 20 times since it came into effect on Oct. 17, according to Turkish Defense Ministry on Sunday.
The ministry also said a Turkish soldier was martyred and another one injured during a patrol when YPG attacked them in Syria’s Tal Abyad region east of Euphrates River.
Security forces retaliated against the "terrorist" attack within the exercise of their right to self defense, the ministry said in a statement.
On Oct. 9, Turkey had launched Operation Peace Spring to eliminate what it considers 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.
On Oct. 17, Turkey agreed to pause its Operation Peace Spring for 120 hours to allow the withdrawal of YPG/PKK forces from the planned safe zone.
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