First Turkish soldier killed in Syria

Turkey has suffered its first military casualty since launching its controversial cross-border offensive in north-eastern Syria.

The Turkish defence ministry said on Friday that a soldier was “martyred” in the fighting and three soldiers were wounded, as its forces pushed deeper into northeastern Syria.

Ankara claimed to have “neutralised” 49 “terrorists”, bringing the total killed so far to at least 277, while six civilians in Turkey and seven in Syria have also died.

News of the soldier’s death came as the campaign against Syrian Kurdish fighters entered its third day and opposition to the action grew.

Donald Trump, whose decision to withdraw US forces precipitated Ankara’s move, threatened to send troops back into the region and Republicans in Congress promised to impose sanctions.

See also: Tens Of Thousands Fled Turkish Offensive In Less Than 24 Hours

Via Sky News/ Anadolu Agency

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