Turkish soldier killed in northern Syria

ANKARA

A Turkish soldier was killed and one other injured in a mortar attack in northwestern Syria, Turkey's Defense Ministry said on March 31.

The Turkish soldier was killed in a mortar attack by militants in the area where Turkey has conducted Operation Olive Branch to get control of Afrin town from the YPG, a statement by the ministry read.

“Under the right of self-defense, Turkish security forces retaliated against the terrorist attack with shelling,” the statement noted.

"We offer our condolences to the martyr's family, the Turkish Armed Forces, and our nation,” it added.

The statement also wished a speedy recovery to the injured soldier.

Turkey deems the YPG as an offshoot of the illegal PKK, which is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States and the European Union.

Turkey has condemned the U.S. for its support to the SDF, dominated by YPG militants, in its fight against ISIL in Syria.