Turkiye 'neutralizes' 3 YPG/PKK terrorists in cross-border operations

By Mumin Altas

ANKARA (AA) - Turkish security forces have struck terrorist targets belonging to the YPG/PKK terror group in northern Iraq and parts of northern Syria, Turkiye's National Defense Ministry said Monday.

At least two YPG/PKK terrorists in the Euphrates Shield Operation zone in northern Syria were neutralized, the ministry said on Twitter, noting that the Turkish army continues to hit terrorists in their hideouts.

Another PKK terrorist identified via combat drone was neutralized in northern Iraq's Avasin-Basyan region, it added.

Since 2016, Ankara has launched a trio of successful anti-terror operations across its border 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).

The PKK terrorist group often hides out in northern Iraq, just across Turkiye's southern border, to plot terrorist attacks in Turkiye.

In its more than 35-year terror campaign against Turkiye, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkiye, the US, and EU -- has been responsible for the deaths of at least 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants. The YPG is the PKK's Syrian offshoot.