"We totally reject the unfounded allegations in Amnesty International's report on Operation Peace Spring," Turkish Foreign ministry said in a written statement.

The ministry added that it considers these baseless allegations as part of an ongoing "smear campaign" against Turkey's efforts in countering threat stemming from Syria and aiming at Turkey's national security.

It also recalled that the Syrian National Army, which is supporting the operation, has already established an "Investigation Committee" to look into the alleged cases of civilian casualties attributed to its own elements.

 The statement concludes as follows:

“The bonds between PYD/YPG and PKK, recognized as a terrorist organization also by the EU and NATO, as well as its crimes and violations have been documented on repeated occasions. We invite Amnesty International to re-examine these studies of independent international institutions, including those of its own.” (ILKHA)