At least seven suspected YPG/PKK terrorists, accused of carrying out 11 bombings, were held in Afrin, northwestern Syria, a Turkish governor’s office said on Tuesday.
“Seven people from the YPG/PKK terrorist organization, who carried out 11 bombings and burned three vehicles, were captured in an operation in two cell houses in Afrin,” said a statement by the governor’s office in the southern Hatay province that borders Syria.
As many as 25 kilograms (55.11 pounds) of TNT, and other materials used for bomb-making were also seized, the statement added.
Since 2016, Turkey has launched a trio of successful anti-terrorist operations across its border in northern Syria to prevent the formation of a terror corridor and enable peaceful settlement by locals: Euphrates Shield (2016), Olive Branch (2018), and Peace Spring (2019).
In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US, and EU – has been responsible for the deaths of 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants. The YPG is the PKK’s Syrian offshoot.