Turkish security forces have responded to harassment and attacks carried out by YPG/PKK terrorists, the country’s Defense Ministry said on Saturday.

Axar.az reports citing Anadolu Agency.

"Within the scope of self-defense, the required response was given to the harassment/attacks that the terrorist organization PKK/YPG carried out with mortars and artillery shots against our elements in the south of Tal Abyad," the ministry said in a Twitter post.

Turkey on Oct. 9 launched Operation Peace Spring to eliminate terrorists 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.

Ankara has reached two separate deals with the U.S. and Russia to pause the operation in order to allow YPG/PKK terrorists to withdraw from a planned safe zone, where Turkey wants to repatriate the refugees.

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 PKK’s Syrian offshoot.