Turkish security forces 'neutralized' over 40 terrorists last week

The Defense Ministry Thursday said that Türkiye "neutralized" 44 terrorists over the past week and more than 350 terrorists have been eliminated in Syria and Iraq in 2024.

A total of 359 terrorists have been targeted since January with 144 in northern Iraq and 215 in northern Syria, spokesperson Zeki Akturk told reporters at a briefing in the capital Ankara.

Turkish authorities use the term "neutralize" to imply that the terrorists in question surrendered or were killed or captured.

In its more than 35-year terror campaign against Türkiye, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the U.S., and the EU – has been responsible for the deaths of over 40,000 people, including women, children and infants. The YPG is its Syrian branch.

PKK terrorists often hide out across Türkiye's border in northern Iraq and Syria, where they plot attacks on Turkish forces or the local populations.

Additionally, 207 people were apprehended while attempting to illegally cross borders in the past week, with 2,495 others prevented from crossing.

Since 2024, the number of apprehended individuals attempting to illegally cross borders has reached 893, with 21,089 prevented from doing so, he said.

Türkiye has been a key transit point for irregular migrants who want to cross into Europe to start new lives, especially those fleeing war and persecution.

The country, which already hosts 4 million refugees, more than any other country in the world, is taking new measures at its borders to prevent a fresh influx of migrants.

Akturk highlighted the successful missions of the Turkish Armed Forces in various regions including the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Azerbaijan, Libya, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, Somalia and many others, expressing continued support for "the just causes of brotherly, friendly, and allied countries."

He also mentioned that Türkiye's National Defense Minister Yasar Guler conducted an official visit to Iraq with Chief of General Staff Metin Gurak, during which discussions were held on bilateral and regional defense and security issues, including counterterrorism efforts and border security.

Akturk reiterated the call for an urgent and permanent cease-fire in the Israel-Palestine conflict, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the security and peace of everyone in the region and preventing the escalation of conflicts.

Source: AA