Turkey neutralizes 4 more YPG/PKK terrorists in Syria

By Merve Aydogan and Halil Ibrahim Sincar

ANKARA/MARDIN, Turkey (AA) – Turkish forces neutralized at least four more YPG/PKK terrorists in northern Syria, Turkey’s National Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.

The terrorists were attempting to disrupt peace in the Operation Euphrates Shield region and were neutralized in an operation by Turkish commandos, the ministry said on Twitter.

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

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, try to infiltrate and mount attacks in these areas to disturb the peace and stability restored by Turkey.

- Terror suspect arrested in SE Turkey

A terror suspect was arrested and a mortar launcher and ammunition were seized in an operation in Turkey’s southeastern Mardin province, officials said.

The operation was carried out after officials received information that a PKK/YPG member – a Syrian national – had illegally entered Turkey, according to a statement by provincial authorities.

Intelligence suggested the suspect was planning attacks in major Turkish cities and was providing weapons and ammunition to terrorists, the statement said.

The suspect was found with a mortar launcher and four 60mm rounds and was taken into custody, it added.

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.