Turkish forces 'neutralize' 2 PKK/YPG terrorists

ANKARA

Turkish security forces neutralized two PKK terrorists in cross-border operations in northern Iraq and northern Syria, the National Defense Ministry announced on Friday.

One PKK terrorist, who was plotting an attack, was neutralized in the Avasin-Basyan region in northern Iraq after being detected by reconnaissance and surveillance vehicles, the ministry said on Twitter.

Another PKK/YPG terrorist, who attempted to carry out an attack in the Operation Peace Spring region in northern Syria, was neutralized by the Turkish commandos, the statement added.

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

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).

In its more than 30-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 its Syrian offshoot.