ANKARA, May 26 (NNN-ANADOLU) – Turkish security forces killed 1,458 members of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and Syrian Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG), in cross border operation, the Defence Minister, Hulusi Akar, said, on Monday.
“The Turkish Armed Forces will continue this struggle with determination, until the last terrorist is neutralised,” he said.
Turkish authorities often use the word “neutralised” in statements to imply the “terrorists” who surrendered or were killed or captured.
“Everyone should know that we are performing our duties in five operating regions with great determination, and that we are performing these activities completely under the law and that all these activities are transparent and open to all kinds of audits,” he stated.
Turkey continues efforts to maintain the ceasefire and stability in Idlib, after an agreement with Russia, sealed on Mar 5, he said.
“Although there are some minor violations, the ceasefire is generally observed. As a result of the ceasefire, approximately 300,000 Syrians returned to their homes safely and voluntarily,” the minister stated.
Turkey sees the YPG as the Syrian branch of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).
The Turkish army launched Operation Euphrates Shield in 2016, Operation Olive Branch in 2018, Operation Peace Spring in 2019 and Operation Spring Shield in 2020, in order to create a YPG-free zone along its border within Syria.
Turkish security forces have long been conducting operations against the PKK targets, in northern Iraq where the group has hideouts.
The PKK, listed as a terrorist organisation by Turkey, the United States and the EU, fought a 30-year war against the Turkish government, claiming the lives of more than 40,000.– NNN-ANADOLU
