144 members of the Syrian National Army (SNA) have been killed in attacks by PKK/ YPG since Turkey launched a military operation in northern Syria on October 9.

Turkey launched Operation Peace Spring on Oct. 9 to clear northeastern Syria east of the Euphrates River of PKK/YPG members and create a safe zone along the border, thereby paving the way for the voluntary return of Syrian refugees.

Ankara has repeatedly expressed its determination to clear northern Syria of both Daesh/ISIS and YPG/PKK groups.

Ankara and Washington reached a deal on Oct. 17 to pause the operation for 120 hours to allow the withdrawal of YPG/PKK members from the planned safe zone.

On Oct. 22, Turkey also reached an agreement with Russia on a 10-point plan to force the YPG/PKK to withdraw from the planned safe zone. (ILKHA)