Turkish forces 'neutralize' 41 YPG/PKK terrorists in northern Syria

By Harun Kutbe

ANKARA (AA) – Turkish security forces "neutralized" 41 YPG/PKK terrorists in northern Syria, near the Turkish border, authorities said on Wednesday.

"Our heroic Turkish Armed Forces have neutralized an additional 41 terrorists, targeting the terrorist nests in the Tel Rifaat and Manbij regions. We will continue to bury these terrorists in the very pits they have dug," the Turkish National Defense Ministry said in a statement.

It reiterated Ankara's commitment to eradicating the threat posed by the terrorist groups, and said the YPG/PKK terrorist group continues to be held accountable for its actions in the base areas.

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

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.

YPG/PKK terrorists hide out in northern Syria, where they plan and carry out attacks on both locals and nearby settlements in Türkiye.

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).