Turkish forces 'neutralize' so-called senior PKK/YPG terrorist in NE Syria

ANKARA

Turkish forces "neutralized" a so-called senior member of the PKK/YPG terror group in northeastern Syria, security sources said on Tuesday.

Muhsin Yagan, who authorities say planned and implemented numerous terrorist acts against security forces on the border, was neutralized in an operation by Türkiye's National Intelligence Organization (MIT) in the Qamishli region, said the sources, requesting anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

Codenamed Dijvar Silopi, Yagan was the PKK/YPG terror group's so-called administrator in Qamishli.

He joined the PKK in the 1990s and engaged in terrorist activities in the Sirnak countryside, later operating in Iraq and Iran, as well.

Yagan was sent to Qamishli in 2020 by the order of Murat Karayilan, one of the ringleaders of the PKK, becoming the terror group's so-called administrator there.

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

* Writing by Seda Sevencan