Turkiye 'neutralizes' 52 YPG/PKK terrorists in northern Syria

By Sarp Ozer

ANKARA (AA) – In a retaliatory fire for self-defense, the Turkish armed forces "neutralized" 52 YPG/PKK terrorists in northern Syria, the National Defense Ministry sources said on Friday.

After YPG/PKK terrorists' attacks on the Karkamis district and Koprubati border post in Turkiye's southeastern Gaziantep province on Thursday, at least 52 terrorists were neutralized in retaliatory strikes for self-defense on the YPG/PKK terror group's positions in northern Syria, said the sources who requested anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

Additionally, nearly 60 terror targets were destroyed during the strikes, the sources added.

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

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 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 Turkiye, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Turkiye, the US, and EU – has been responsible for the deaths of over 40,000 people, including women, children and infants. The YPG is the PKK's Syrian offshoot.