Turkish security forces have “neutralized” a total of 36 members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and the People's Protection Forces (PYD) in northern Iraq and northern Syria, the Turkish Ministry of National Defense announced today, quoted by the Anadolu Agency and BTA.
The PKK has been waging an armed struggle against the Turkish state since 1984 and is considered a terrorist organization by Ankara, the EU and the US. The PKK is considered by Turkey to be an offshoot of the PKK.
Thirty-two PKK/PKK terrorists were targeted in northern Syria, while four other PKK terrorists were targeted in northern Iraq, the Ministry of National Defense said.
The ministry reaffirmed Ankara's determination to fight terrorism until "the last terrorist is neutralized."
Turkish authorities use the term "neutralized" to mean that the terrorists in question have surrendered or been killed or captured, the Anadolu Agency said.
PKK members often hide in northern Iraq to plan cross-border attacks in Turkey.
In a 40-year campaign against Turkey, the PKK is responsible for the deaths of more than 40,000 people, the Anadolu Agency said. agency.