Turkish security forces 'neutralize' 16 YPG/PKK terrorists in northern Syria

By Zehra Nur Duz

ANKARA (AA) - Türkiye’s security forces “neutralized” more than a dozen YPG/PKK terrorists in northern Syria, near the Turkish border, the National Defense Ministry announced on Thursday.

“Destroying terrorist targets in Tal Rifat and Manbij regions, the Turkish Armed Forces neutralized 16 more terrorists who carried out an attack,” the ministry said on Twitter.

The number of terrorists “neutralized” in the region rose to 57 with the latest counter-terrorism operation, the ministry said.

Turkish authorities use the term “neutralize” to imply the terrorists in question surrendered or were killed or captured.

Since 2016, Turkey 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 Turkey, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US, and the European Union – has been responsible for the deaths of at least 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants.