YPG/PKK terrorist held in southern Turkey
Terrorist escaped from Syria’s Ras al-Ayn district after Turkey launched anti-terror operation in region
ADANA, Turkey
Security forces held a YPG/PKK terrorist in Turkey’s southern Adana province, a security source said on Thursday.
Police received information that the terrorist, identified only by his initials I. M. I., escaped from Syria’s Ras al-Ayn district when Turkey launched the anti-terror Operation Peace Spring, said the source on condition of anonymity.
Security teams mobilized and rounded the suspect, who was working as an agricultural laborer, in the Yuregir district, it added.
A court later remanded the suspect in police custody.
Ras al-Ayn was liberated from YPG/PKK terrorists on Oct. 12, 2019 as part of Turkey's Operation Peace Spring. It was launched to secure Turkey's borders by eliminating the terror group from northern Syria, east of the Euphrates River, aid in the safe return of Syrian refugees, and ensure Syria's territorial integrity.
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 a peaceful settlement of residents: Euphrates Shield (2016), Olive Branch (2018), and Peace Spring (2019).
In its more than 35-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 at least 40,000 people, including women, children and infants. The YPG is PKK’s Syrian offshoot.
*Writing by Gozde Bayar in Ankara
