UPDATE - Turkish intelligence 'neutralizes' senior PKK/YPJ terrorist planning suicide bombing

ADDS MORE DETAILS, REVISES DECK

By Gizem Nisa Cebi

ISTANBUL (AA) - Türkiye's National Intelligence Organization (MIT) has "neutralized" Hezal Belge, a senior figure in the PKK/YPJ terrorist organization who was planning a suicide bombing in Türkiye, according to security sources.

Belge was targeted in a precision operation in the Amude region of Syria, near the Turkish border, the sources reported.

They said that Belge, codenamed Jinda Gundikramo, was listed in the gray category of the "Wanted for Terrorism” list and was planning a suicide bombing attack in Türkiye.

According to the sources, she postponed several attempts to carry out attacks due to proactive measures taken by security forces in Türkiye. She was also reportedly attempting to encourage the Syrian people to join the terrorist group.

Belge joined the rural cadres of the terrorist organization in 2004 and operated for many years as a leader of PKK/KCK in northern Iraq. She later moved to Syria, where she continued her role as a leader within PKK/YPJ.

In 2021, she sustained a head injury during a conflict. After receiving treatment in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, she returned to Syria and was most recently active as the so-called leader of PKK/YPJ in Amude.

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

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.