Turkish security forces neutralized 15 fighters from the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK)/People's Defense Forces (PDF) near the Turkish border in northern Syria, Ankara authorities said today, Anadolu Agency reported, citing BTA.

Kurdish fighters were attacked in the areas of operations "Peace Spring", "Olive Branch" and "Euphrates Shield" during attempts by terrorists to "disrupt peace and security in the region," the Turkish Ministry of National Defense said on Twitter.

Turkish authorities use the term "neutralization" to mean that the terrorists in question have surrendered or been killed or captured.

Since 2016, Turkey has conducted several major operations in northern Syria to clear the area along the Turkish border of Islamic State terrorists and fighters of the Syrian Kurdish militia People's Protection Forces (PDF) - Euphrates Shield (2016 ), "Olive Branch" (2018), "Fountain of Peace" (2019).

The Turkish military plans to launch a new anti-terrorist operation in Syria, but it is not yet known when the new offensive will begin.

Turkey views the People's Defense Forces (PDF) and the Turkey-based Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) as branches of the same terrorist organization.

Turkish military: 39 Kurdish fighters neutralized in Syria and Iraq

The Kurdistan Workers' Party, which has been waging an armed struggle against the Turkish state since 1984, has been designated a terrorist organization by Ankara, the EU and the US.