Turkish security forces neutralise PKK/YPG terrorists in northern Syria
Turkish security forces “neutralised” five PKK/YPG terrorists in northern Syria, the country’s National Defence Ministry has said.
“Our Turkish Armed Forces neutralised five PKK/YPG terrorists who were gearing for an attack in the Euphrates Shield region,” said the ministry on X, Caliber.Az reports.
Teröristlerin saldırı girişimlerine misliyle karşılık vermeye devam ediyoruz.
— T.C. Millî Savunma Bakanlığı (@tcsavunma) February 13, 2024
Kahraman Türk Silahlı Kuvvetlerimiz, Suriye'nin kuzeyindeki Zeytin Dalı ve Fırat Kalkanı bölgelerinde huzur ve güvenlik ortamını bozmak için saldırı hazırlığı yapan 5 PKK/YPG’li teröristi etkisiz hâle… pic.twitter.com/nRNJjv7Eh4
Turkish authorities use the term "neutralise" to imply that the terrorists in question surrendered or were killed or captured.
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).
PKK terrorists often hide out in northern Iraq to plot cross-border attacks in Türkiye and northern Syria. YPG terrorists have targeted locals and Turkish soldiers present in the region to help maintain order and stability.
In its more than 35-year terror campaign against Türkiye, the PKK — listed as a terrorist organisation by Türkiye, the US, and the EU — has been responsible for the deaths of more than 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants.