Ankara warns European countries of YPG/PKK violence

Turkey on Sunday called for an increase in security measures against PKK terror group's violent actions in European countries.

"With the start of the Operation Peace Spring, we observe an increase in the violent demonstrations and actions of PKK elements, especially in European countries," the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

"In response to the actions of the PKK, we expect from the relevant countries to increase the measures in order to protect the security of life and property of our diplomatic missions, citizens, personnel and Turkish interests abroad and to show maximum sensitivity in this regard," the statement said.

Turkey on Wednesday launched Operation Peace Spring east of the Euphrates River in northern Syria to secure its borders by eliminating terrorist elements and to ensure the safe return of Syrian refugees and Syria's territorial integrity.

Ankara wants to eliminate terrorist group PKK and its Syrian offshoot, the PYD-YPG from the region.

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.