TAL ABYAD / RAS AL-AYN, Syria

At least 251 soldiers of the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) have been martyred in attacks by YPG/PKK terrorists since the launch of Turkey’s anti-terror operation in northern Syria some two months ago.

According to SNA commanders in the field, a total of 760 SNA soldiers were also wounded and one soldier went missing during Operation Peace Spring, launched on Oct. 9.

Turkish-backed SNA soldiers have been thwarting attacks by terrorists, especially east of the town of Ras al-Ayn, Syria, recently liberated from YPG/PKK terrorists.

The YPG/PKK terrorists continue their attacks despite Turkey’s deals with the U.S. and Russia for the withdrawal of the terror group from northeastern Syria.

SNA soldiers continue search and recon in the region, destroying improvised explosives seized from terrorists, and have been holding the front lines, which were cleared of terrorists.

Turkey on Oct. 9 launched Operation Peace Spring to eliminate YPG/PKK terrorists from northern Syria east of the Euphrates River in order to secure Turkey’s borders, aid in the safe return of Syrian refugees, and ensure Syria’s territorial integrity.

Under two separate deals with the U.S. and Russia, Turkey paused the operation to allow the withdrawal of YPG/PKK terrorists from the planned Syria safe zone.

Prior to this, Turkey led two successful operations, Olive Branch and Euphrates Shield, to rid the region of terrorists.

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and EU -- has been responsible for the deaths of nearly 40,000 people, including women, children and infants. The YPG is the PKK's Syrian offshoot.

*Writing by Erdogan Cagatay Zontur