ANKARA

Five YPG/PKK terrorists attempting to infiltrate into, and attack Turkey's operation zones were "neutralized" by Turkish commandos on Thursday, officials said.

The Turkish Defense Ministry said three of the terrorists were "neutralized" in Operation Peace Spring area, and two in Operation Euphrates Shield.

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

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK – listed as a terrorist group by Turkey, the US and EU – has been responsible for the deaths of nearly 40,000 people, including women, children and infants. The YPG is PKK's Syrian offshoot.

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

*Writing by Dilan Pamuk in Ankara