Türkiye says 10 YPG/PKK terrorists ‘neutralized’ after northern Syria attack

By Yesim Sert Karaaslan

KAYSERI, Türkiye (AA) - Ten YPG/PKK terrorists were “neutralized” after four Turkish soldiers were wounded in northern Syria in a military base attack, the Turkish defense minister said on Monday.

"The struggle here will continue unabated, with dedication and tenacity. We reiterate, as usual, that this fight will go on until the last terrorist is eliminated. The struggle is still ongoing," Hulusi Akar told reporters in the central Kayseri province.

Four Turkish soldiers were injured in an attack carried out by the YPG/PKK terrorists in northern Syria on Sunday, the Turkish National Defense Ministry earlier said.

The terrorists attacked Turkish bases with simultaneous mortar and multiple rocket launchers in the Operation Olive Branch and Operation Euphrates Shield zones.

Akar said the terrorists were “neutralized” in a retaliatory move after their attack on the Turkish military base.

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

The wounded soldiers received medical care and their therapy is ongoing, he added.

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, near the Turkish border, 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).