Turkish security forces have announced the successful neutralization of five terrorists in operations conducted in northern Syria and Iraq, near the Turkish border. The Turkish National Defense Ministry stated on Friday that three PKK/YPG terrorists were neutralized in northern Syria within the Operation Euphrates Shield zone, while two PKK terrorists were targeted in northern Iraq as part of Operation Claw-Lock.

The term "neutralize" is used by Turkish authorities to indicate that the terrorists either surrendered, were killed, or captured during the operations.

Ankara has been actively conducting anti-terror operations across its border in northern Syria since 2016, aiming to prevent the formation of a terrorist corridor and facilitate the peaceful resettlement of residents. These operations include Euphrates Shield (2016), Olive Branch (2018), and Peace Spring (2019).

Operation Claw-Lock, launched in April 2022, specifically targets PKK terror group hideouts in Iraq's northern Metina, Zap, and Avasin-Basyan regions near the Turkish border.

PKK terrorists often use northern Iraq as a base to plan and execute cross-border attacks into Turkey. Additionally, in northern Syria, an area beyond the control of the Damascus government, YPG terrorists have posed a threat to local residents and Turkish soldiers working to maintain order and stability in the region.

The PKK, recognized as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union, has been responsible for over 40,000 deaths in its more than 35-year-long terror campaign against Turkey, including women, children, and infants. The YPG functions as its Syrian branch.

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