By Ahmet Gencturk
ANKARA (AA) - At least six PKK/YPG terrorists were “neutralized” by Turkish security forces in northern Syria, the National Defense Ministry said Thursday.
The terrorists were targeted when they were preparing to launch an attack in Operation Euphrates Shield zone, it said on Twitter.
In a separate operation carried out by Turkish National Intelligence Organization (MIT), three terrorists, who were also preparing to attack Turkish troops deployed in Metina region in northern Iraq, were neutralized, said a security source on condition of anonymity .
Turkish authorities use the term neutralize to imply the terrorists in question surrendered, were killed or captured.
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 EU – has been responsible for the deaths of at least 40,000 people, including women, children and infants. The YPG is PKK’s Syrian offshoot.