2 Killed, 19 Injured In Twin Blasts In Northern Syria

Two civilians were killed and 19 others were wounded in twin bomb blasts in northern Syria, Turkish authorities said on Tuesday.

The National Defense Ministry said on Twitter that the bombs exploded in the area of Operation Euphrates Shield, Turkey's cross-border anti-terror offensive.

"The PKK/YPG terrorist organization does not give up on its felonious terrorist attacks targeting innocent civilians," it wrote.

"The PKK/YPG terrorist organization and its supporters, who have no other purpose than to murder innocent civilians, should not forget that we will continue to fight against all kinds of terrorist organizations for the peace and security of the region, and we will continue to neutralize the terrorists in their cells!" it added.

Local sources said the bombs were planted in a motorcycle and a garbage container, both of which exploded at the same time in two separate places.

The wounded were taken to medical facilities in Jarabulus, which had been cleared of terrorist elements following Operation Euphrates Shield.

Since 2016, Ankara has launched a trio of successful anti-terror operations across its border in northern Syria to prevent the formation of a terror corridor and enable the peaceful settlement of residents: Euphrates Shield (2016), Olive Branch (2018), and Peace Spring (2019).

In its more than 35-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US, and EU – has been responsible for the deaths of at least 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants. The YPG is the PKK's Syrian offshoot.

*Additional writing by Ali Murat Alhas -