Turkish Intelligence Eliminates Senior YPG Financial Official in Syria
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Synopsis
On January 29, Turkey's National Intelligence Organisation reported the neutralization of a high-ranking YPG financial official in northern Syria. Shiraz Omer, also known as Sozdar Afrin, was targeted in a precise operation. Additionally, 14 YPG militants were neutralized in ongoing military efforts in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Turkish Intelligence has neutralized a senior YPG financial official.
- Shiraz Omer was closely monitored prior to the operation.
- 14 YPG militants were also neutralized in a related military action.
- Turkey views the YPG as an extension of the PKK.
- Operations aim to secure a YPG-free zone along the Turkish border.
Ankara, Jan 29 (NationPress) The National Intelligence Organisation of Turkey has successfully "neutralized" a significant member of the Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) in northern Syria, as reported by the semi-official Anadolu Agency on Wednesday.
Shiraz Omer, known by the code name Sozdar Afrin, was eliminated during a targeted operation along the Rumailan-Malikiyah road, according to unnamed sources from Turkish security, although the exact timing of the operation was not disclosed.
Omer was believed to be a senior official within the financial network of the YPG and had been under close surveillance by Turkish intelligence.
On the same day, the Turkish Defence Ministry announced that 14 YPG militants were also "neutralized" during operations in the Operation Peace Spring region of northern Syria, as reported by Xinhua.
Following a surprising advance by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham forces into Damascus in early December, Turkish-backed factions initiated an offensive against Kurdish fighters in northern Syria, compelling Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to retreat from certain territories.
Turkey regards the YPG, which is integral to the SDF, as a branch of the banned Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).
The PKK is designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union, having been in conflict with the Turkish government for over thirty years.
The SDF, supported by the United States and predominantly composed of Kurdish units, governs large areas in northern and eastern Syria.
On December 30, an SDF delegation held a meeting with Syria's de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus, marking the first such encounter since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime on December 8, 2024.
The Turkish army has conducted several operations in northern Syria, including Operation 'Euphrates Shield' in 2016, Operation 'Olive Branch' in 2018, Operation 'Peace Spring' in 2019, and Operation 'Spring Shield' in 2020, aimed at establishing a YPG-free zone along the Turkish border.
In official statements, Turkish authorities frequently use the term "neutralize" to indicate that alleged "terrorists" have either surrendered, been killed, or captured.
