ISTANBUL
Turkish military forces “neutralized” five members of the PKK/YPG terrorist group in northern Syria, Türkiye’s National Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.
“The Turkish Armed Forces neutralized five PKK/YPG terrorists preparing to disrupt peace and security in the Olive Branch and Euphrates Shield zones in northern Syria,” the ministry said on X.
Turkish authorities use the term “neutralize” to imply the terrorists in question surrendered or were killed or captured.
“We are determined and resolute in rooting out terrorism at its source,” it 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, UK, and EU — has been responsible for the deaths of more than 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants.
The YPG is PKK’s Syrian branch.
