3 PKK terrorists ‘neutralized’ in northern Syria

By Jeyhun Aliyev

ANKARA (AA) - Turkish security forces "neutralized" three YPG/PKK terrorists attempting to infiltrate into its cross-border anti-terror operation zone in northern Syria, the National Defense Ministry said on Monday.

The ministry said on Twitter Turkish commandos conducted a successful operation in the Operation Peace Spring area and neutralized the terrorists trying to disrupt peace and security in the region.

Turkish authorities often use the word "neutralized" to imply the terrorists in question surrendered or were killed or captured.

Since 2016, Turkey has launched a trio of successful anti-terror operations in northern Syria to prevent the formation of a terror corridor and to enable the peaceful settlement of residents: Euphrates Shield (2016), Olive Branch (2018), and Peace Spring (2019).

Terrorist groups – especially the YPG/PKK – often try to infiltrate and attack these areas to disturb the peace and stability established by Turkey.

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US, and the EU – has been responsible for the deaths of 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants. The YPG is the PKK's Syrian offshoot.