Turkey 'neutralizes' 5 YPG/PKK terrorist in N. Syria

By Sarp Ozer

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

The ministry said the terrorists were trying to infiltrate into the Operation Peace Spring area.

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

Meanwhile, a clash between YPG/PKK terrorists and the Syrian National Army also took place in the region.

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, particularly the YPG/PKK, often try to infiltrate and mount attacks in these areas to disturb the peace and stability restored 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.

* Writing by Dilan Pamuk in Ankara