UPDATE WITH DETAILS ABOUT TERRORISTS, REVISES BYLINE
By Orhan Onur Gemici
ISTANBUL (AA) - Türkiye's National Intelligence Organization (MIT) has "neutralized" two senior members of the terrorist group PKK/YPG in northwestern Syria, according to security sources.
The so-called ringleaders of the terror group, Huseyin Ozturk and Vidan Fate, were targeted in an operation in the Tel Rifaat region, security sources said.
Ozturk, codenamed "Mazlum," joined the PKK/YPG in 1994 and played a key role in organizing attacks against Turkish security forces in Türkiye, Iraq, and Syria.
MIT identified Ozturk as a high-ranking operative in Tel Rifaat and closely monitored him through its field agents. It was also discovered that he was working alongside Fate, a terrorist known by the codename "Zelal Afrin."
Ozturk had operated in Iraq’s Qandil, Gare, Zap, and Metina regions, several parts of Iran, and Türkiye’s Amanos mountain range. Since 2015, he has been active in Syria on behalf of the group.
Fate began her involvement in terrorist activities in Syria in 1990, initially collaborating with local PKK cells, and officially joined the group’s rural ranks in 2000.
Turkish authorities use the term "neutralize" to imply the terrorists in question surrendered or were killed or captured.
The operation was part of Türkiye's broader campaign aimed at ensuring national security and regional stability.
In its 40-year terror campaign against Türkiye, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the US, and the EU – has been responsible for the deaths of over 40,000 people, including women, children, infants, and the elderly. The YPG is the PKK’s Syrian offshoot.
*Writing by Gizem Nisa Cebi