Turkey neutralizes 3 YPG/PKK terrorists in N. Syria

By Merve Aydogan

ANKARA (AA) - At least three YPG/PKK terrorists were neutralized in northern Syria after they opened fire on Turkish commando units, the Turkish National Defense Ministry said on Monday.

In a tweet, the ministry said that YPG/PKK terrorists attempted to carry out attacks in the Operation Peace Spring zone. In retaliation firing, the commandos neutralized three terrorists, it added.

"Thus, the number of PKK/YPG terrorists neutralized by our Turkish Armed Forces in the [Operation] Peace Spring zone in the last three days has reached 35," the ministry said.

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 EU -- has been responsible for the deaths of 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants. The YPG is the PKK's Syrian offshoot.