Turkish security forces “neutralized” at least two YPG/PKK terrorists in northern Syria, near the country's southern border, the National Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.
"Another attempt by the YPG/PKK terrorist organization foiled. Our heroic commandos neutralized two YPG/PKK terrorists who were preparing an attack in the Operation Euphrates Shield zone," it said in a tweet.
Turkish authorities often use the word "neutralize" to imply the terrorists in question surrendered or were killed or captured.
In another tweet, the ministry said one YPG/PKK terrorist in Operation Euphrates Shield region, and at least two other terrorists in Operation Olive Branch region "who were attempting to disrupt peace and security" in northern Syria were held by Turkish security forces.
Since 2016, Turkey has launched a trio of successful anti-terrorist operations across its border in northern Syria to prevent the formation of a terror corridor and enable peaceful settlement by locals: Euphrates Shield (2016), Olive Branch (2018) and Peace Spring (2019).
In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US and EU -- has been responsible for the deaths of 40,000 people, including women, children and infants. The YPG is PKK’s Syrian offshoot.
