By Orhan Onur Gemici
Five PKK/YPG terrorists found to be preparing for attacks in the Operation Olive Branch and Peace Spring areas in Syria have been "neutralized," the Turkish National Defense Ministry said Friday.
The five terrorists were neutralized with artillery support before they could achieve their objectives, said a ministry statement.
Turkish authorities use the term "neutralize" to imply the terrorists in question surrendered or were killed or captured.
PKK/YPG terrorists hide out in northern Syria, near the Turkish border, where they plan or stage attacks on both locals and security forces or settlements in Türkiye.
Since 2016, Ankara has launched a trio of successful anti-terror operations across its border in northern Syria to prevent the formation of a terror corridor and enable the peaceful settlement of residents: Euphrates Shield (2016), Olive Branch (2018), and Peace Spring (2019).
In its more than 35-year terror campaign against Türkiye, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the US, and EU – has been responsible for the deaths of over 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants. The YPG is its Syrian branch.