ANKARA 

Turkish security forces neutralized nine YPG/PKK terrorists in northwestern Syria, the National Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.

"Nine PKK/YPG terrorists, who were attempting to infiltrate the Operation Peace Spring zone, were neutralized in successful operation of our heroic commandos," the ministry announced in a tweet.

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

The ministry added that the security operations will continue without letup.

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 U.S. and EU -- has been responsible for the deaths of 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants. The YPG is the PKK’s Syrian offshoot.