ANKARA

At least two YPG/PKK terrorists were "neutralized "in northern Syria, the Turkish Ministry of National Defense said on Friday.

In a statement, the ministry said the terrorits tried to infiltrate the Operation Peace Spring area to disrupt peace and security environment.

However, Turkish commandos conducted a successful operation and "neutralized" both of them.

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

Since 2016, Turkey has launched a trio of successful anti-terror operations in northern Syria to prevent the formation of a terror corridor and to enable the peaceful settlement of residents: Euphrates Shield (2016), Olive Branch (2018), and Peace Spring (2019).

Terrorist groups – especially the YPG/PKK – sometimes try to infiltrate and attack these areas to disturb the peace and stability established by Turkey.

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 the PKK's Syrian offshoot.