Ankara: Turkish security forces "neutralized" six PKK/YPG terrorists in northern Iraq and northern Syria, Trkiye's National Defense Ministry announced.

According to Anadolu Agency, three PKK terrorists were targeted in the Operation Claw-Lock zone in northern Iraq. The ministry stated on X that the Turkish Armed Forces will "continue to take preventive and destructive measures against terrorist organizations." Additionally, three more terrorists were targeted in the Operation Peace Spring zone in northern Syria.

The ministry emphasized their resolve, stating, "We are determined to destroy terrorism at its source." In Trkiye's terminology, "neutralize" indicates that the terrorists surrendered, were killed, or captured.

PKK terrorists frequently take refuge in northern Iraq to plan cross-border attacks in Trkiye. In 2022, Trkiye initiated Operation Claw-Lock to confront the terror group's strongholds in the Metina, Zap, and Avasin-Basyan regions of northern Iraq.

In northern Syria, Ankara has conducted three major anti-terror operations since 2016 to thwart the establishment of a terror corridor and facilitate the peaceful resettlement of residents: Euphrates Shield in 2016, Olive Branch in 2018, and Peace Spring in 2019.

The PKK, recognized as a terrorist organization by Trkiye, the US, and EU, has been involved in a 40-year campaign against Trkiye, resulting in over 40,000 deaths, including women, children, and infants. The YPG is considered the PKK's Syrian branch.

The PKK/YPG has attempted to capitalize on the instability following the Assad regime's collapse to advance their goal of establishing a 'terrorist corridor' along Trkiye's border.