Turkish soldier killed in roadside bomb in northern Syria

A Turkish soldier has been killed in a roadside bomb in northern Syria.

1 min read

04 November, 2019

Turkish soldiers moved into other parts of Syria last month [Getty]

A Turkish soldier has been killed in a roadside bomb on Monday in northeastern Syria, bringing the country's death toll since Ankara launched an assault against Kurdish forces last month to 14.

Turkey's official Anadolu news agency reported that an improvised explosive device that had been identified by the military killed the soldier, citing the defence ministry.

No further information was given on the death.

Turkey launched an offensive into Kurdish-controlled areas of northern Syria on 8 October.

Ankara said it intends to establish a 30km buffer zone on the Syria side of its border.

Kurdish fighters from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have started to withdraw from some areas although clashes with Turkish-backed forces have continued.

Syrian regime forces have taken over some areas controlled by Kurdish authorities to prevent Turkey and its Syrian rebel allies from moving in.

It comes after US President Donald Trump ordered the withdrawal of American troops from Syria.

Despite an initial pull-out from border areas, American patrols have re-started in key oil-producing areas.