ANKARA

Turkish security forces have "neutralized" five YPG/PKK terrorists in northern Syria, the National Defense Ministry said on Friday.

Commandos neutralized the terrorists attempting to infiltrate and disrupt order and security in the Operation Euphrates Shield zone, the ministry said on Twitter.

Since 2016, Turkey 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).

Turkish authorities use the term "neutralize" to imply the terrorists in question surrendered or were killed or captured.

In its more than 35-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US, and the EU -- has been responsible for the deaths of 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants. The YPG is the PKK's Syrian offshoot.