Turkish forces 'neutralize' 12 PKK/YPG terror members in northern Syria

By Ahmet Sertan Usul

ANKARA (AA) — Turkish security forces have "neutralized" 12 more members of the PKK/YPG terror group in northwestern Syria, Türkiye's National Defense Ministry said Sunday.

"Twelve PKK/YPG terrorists, who opened harassing fire on the Euphrates Shield (operation) zone, were neutralized in a successful operation," the ministry said in a statement.

Turkish authorities use the term "neutralize" to imply that 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 and carry out attacks on both locals and nearby 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 40-year terror campaign against Türkiye, the PKK — listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the UK, 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.

*Writing by Alperen Aktas in Istanbul