ANKARA

Craftsmen in Ras al-Ayn in northeastern Syria expressed their gratitude to the Turkish army on Thursday for liberating the city in a military operation.

Ras al-Ayn was freed from YPG/PKK terrorists on Oct. 12 as part of Operation Peace Spring.

"We are thankful to the Turkish army. They rescued us,” said one of the craftsmen.

"We were not able to work because we are Arabs. The YPG/PKK would not allow us to work without taking half our earnings.”

He said the terrorist organization would never leave them alone, adding they would confiscate his savings.

"I would like to thank my Turkish brothers. They have helped me re-open my store," he added.

He advised other Syrians to return to their homes, saying everything was perfectly fine.