Turkish forces 'neutralize' 2 PKK/YPG terrorists in northern Syria

By Firat Tasdemir

ANKARA (AA) - Turkish security forces “neutralized” two PKK/YPG terrorists in northern Syria, the Turkish National Defense Ministry said on Friday.

The terrorists, who were preparing for an attack, were targeted in the Operation Peace Spring zone, 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 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.

*Writing by Gozde Bayar