Iranian media maligns Turkey's op. in Syria

ANKARA

Iran's Spanish state television shared a photo on social media claiming a landmine explosion orchestrated by YPG/PKK terrorists was from Turkey's operation in Syria.

In a caption for the photo, Hispan TV said: "Turkish Army's attacks in northern Syria has endangered the lives of civilians."

An Anadolu Agency reporter in Tel Abyad, Syria where the picture was captured, said the image actually showed Turkey-backed Syrian National Army troops helping civilians who were injured in the explosion from mines planted by terrorists.

Terror supporters have been targeting Turkey's Operation Peace Spring launched on Oct. 9 in a smear campaign.

Earlier operations Euphrates Shield and Olive Branch in Syria led by Turkey were targeted through similar campaigns.

Operation Peace Spring aims to eliminate terrorists from northern Syria in order to secure Turkey’s borders, aid in the safe return of Syrian refugees and ensure Syria’s territorial integrity. It has been paused temporarily until Tuesday evening.

Ankara wants to clear northern Syria east of the Euphrates River of the terrorist PKK and its Syrian offshoot, the YPG/PKK.

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 deaths of 40,000 people, including women, children and infants.

*Writing by Dilara Hamit