Omer Yasin Ergin, Sukru Gunduz and Mehmet Arif Altunkaynak
October 30, 2019•Update: October 30, 2019
DIYARBAKIR, Turkey
Education resumed in southeastern Turkey affected from YPG/PKK attacks from the Syrian border.
Ankara on Oct. 9, launched anti-terror Operation Peace Spring aiming to eliminate terrorist YPG/PKK elements 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.
The Nusaybin District Governorate announced on Oct. 10 that education was suspended in the district.
On Oct. 10, 12-year-old Emine Yildiz, and 15-year-old Leyla Yildiz were martyred as a result of the YPG/PKK mortar attack in Nusaybin district of Mardin province.
Friends of Emine and Leyla were in grief in the first day of their school.
School desks of the young victims were covered in flowers and notes from their friends and loved ones.
A classmate of Leyla, 14-year-old Nurbahar Kaya, recalled beautiful memories she shared with Leyla.
They both wanted to join school's drama club, Nurbahar told Anadolu Agency.
"She was hardworking. We spent a lot of time together, at school and on the way back home.
"I didn't know Leyla was dead, heard of it from a friend. I'm so sorry, I cry whenever I think of her," she added.
Another friend of Leyla, 14-year-old Seyma Korkut, said she is so upset that Leyla will not be able to make her dreams come true.
Emine’s friend, 12-year-old Tarik Oter, also shared his grief, talking to Anadolu Agency.
"She's no longer with us, her desk is empty, but her memories are here," Tarik said, adding that Emine wanted to be a doctor when she grew up, but that her dreams will never come true.
In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the European Union -- has been responsible for the deaths of 40,000 people, including women, children and infants. The YPG is the Syrian offshoot of the PKK.
* Writing by Busra Nur Bilgic Cakmak
