Turkish Forces Neutralize 17 PKK/YPG Terrorists in Northern Syria: Defense Ministry

ANKARA: Turkish forces have neutralized 17 PKK/YPG terrorists in northern Syria, near the border with Turkey, the Turkish National Defense Ministry announced on Saturday. The ministry emphasized the commitment of Turkish forces to conduct ongoing operations aimed at eradicating terrorism in the region.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Turkish Defense Ministry stated that the operations took place in the Euphrates Shield and Peace Spring areas, as well as in Manbij. The ministry noted, “Our heroic Turkish Armed Forces neutralized 17 PKK/YPG terrorists identified in the operation Euphrates Shield and Peace Spring areas and in Manbij in northern Syria. We will continue unpredictable, unconventional, rapid, and continuous operations to destroy terrorism at its source.”

Turkish authorities use the term “neutralize” to indicate that the terrorists have either surrendered, been killed, or captured. The PKK, designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union, has been respon
sible for the deaths of over 40,000 people during its 40-year campaign against Turkey. The YPG is recognized as the Syrian offshoot of the PKK.

Since 2016, Ankara has initiated three anti-terror operations in northern Syria-Euphrates Shield in 2016, Olive Branch in 2018, and Peace Spring in 2019-to thwart the establishment of a terror corridor and facilitate the peaceful resettlement of local residents.