ANKARA

Turkish security forces neutralized two YPG/PKK terrorists attempting to infiltrate and attack the northern Syrian region cleared of terrorists as part of Turkey's Operation Euphrates Shield, the Turkish Ministry of National Defense said Wednesday.

The ministry said terrorists’ attempt at infiltration was thwarted and “heroic” gendarmerie forces neutralized terrorists seeking to disrupt regional peace.

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 the PKK's Syrian offshoot.