Turkey's Defence Ministry stated it "neutralised" 12 members of Syria's Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) in northern Syria.

In a tweet from the Ministry on Thursday,  it said the YPG members were prepared to attack Turkish-controlled military zones in Syria where Operation Euphrates Shield and Operation Peace Spring are being carried out.

Reportedly, Turkish authorities frequently use the phrase "neutralised" to refer to "terrorists" killed, wounded, or detained in security operations. According to the Ministry, on April 22, YPG members attacked a police checkpoint in Mare village in the Operation Euphrates Shield zone with anti-tank weaponry, killing one police officer.

Operation Euphrates Shield was initiated by the Turkish Army in northern Syria in 2016, followed by Operation Olive Branch in 2018, Operation Peace Spring in 2019, and Operation Spring Shield in 2020.

The operations, according to Turkish authorities, aim to eliminate terror threats against Turkey and create a safe zone that will allow Syrian refugees to return to their homes.

The YPG is seen by Ankara as the Syrian wing of the banned Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). Turkey has designated the PKK as a terrorist organisation, and it has been fighting the Turkish government for more than three decades.

Turkey's cross-border operation in Iraq: At least 45 PKK members killed

Turkey's FM summons Iraqi envoy to defend cross-border offensive

Iraqi Presidency says Turkey's cross-border operation threatens security, sovereignty