ISTANBUL

Turkish warplanes hit six YPG/PKK terror targets in northern Syria, the National Defense Ministry said late Sunday.

The air operation destroyed the targets which included an oil facility used by the terrorist group, as well as shelters where terrorists were believed to take refuge, the ministry said in a statement on X.

Several terrorists were "neutralized" during the aerial operation, it added.

Turkish authorities use the term "neutralize" to imply the terrorists in question surrendered or were killed or captured.

Precautions were taken during the operation to ensure innocent civilians, friendly forces, historical and cultural assets, and the environment are not harmed, the ministry said.

Since 2016, Ankara has launched a trio of successful anti-terror operations across its border in northern Syria to prevent the formation of a terror corridor and enable the peaceful settlement of residents: Euphrates Shield (2016), Olive Branch (2018), and Peace Spring (2019).

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