Türkiye 'neutralizes' terrorist YPG/PKK ringleader in northern Syria

By Cankut Tasdan

ANKARA (AA) – Turkish forces “neutralized” a ringleader of the YPG/PKK terrorist group in northern Syria, security sources said on Tuesday.

Ersin Sahin, codenamed Serdem Pir-Serhat Harun, was neutralized in an operation by the National Intelligence Organization (MIT), said the sources, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

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

Sahin joined the YDG-H, a PKK offshoot, in 2014 and was part of the YPG, the terror group’s Syrian offshoot, since 2017, the sources said.

He was the head of the so-called Derik sabotage battalion and remained involved in multiple attacks, including bombings, targeting Turkish forces, the sources 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 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 Türkiye, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the US, and EU – has been responsible for the deaths of more than 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants.