Over 18,000 terrorists neutralized in 6 years: Turkish defense chief

By Sarp Ozer

MALATYA, Turkey (AA) - Turkish security forces have neutralized more than 18,000 terrorists since July 24, 2015, the national defense minister said Friday

Hulusi Akar, accompanied by Land Forces Commander Gen. Umit Dundar, Naval Forces Admiral Adnan Ozbal and Air Forces Commander Gen. Hasan Kucukakyuz visited a military base in the eastern province of Malatya.

After holding video conferences with commanding officers of military contingents stationed within and beyond Turkey's borders, Akar addressed personnel at the base.

He stressed that at least 18,220 terrorists had been neutralized since July 24, 2015, including 1,366 since the beginning of 2021. "No one should doubt that our struggle will continue until the last terrorist is neutralized," he said.

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

Akar said that the Turkish Navy sailed for roughly 200,000 hours last year, with the number of commando divisions in the military increasing from just two to 17, all of which are on active duty and engaged in missions.

The Turkish Armed Forces has grown stronger, more efficient and motivated since the July 15, 2016 defeated coup by the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), he remarked.

FETO and its US-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016, which left 251 people dead and 2,734 injured.

Ankara also accuses FETO of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police and judiciary.

- PKK and YPG

Turkey respects its neighbors' territorial integrity and expects them to reciprocate with the same policy toward Turkey, noted Akar.

Underlining that the PKK and YPG in Syria are the same terrorist organization, Akar said that some countries, some of which are Turkey's allies, continue to provide YPG with arms and equipment despite the proof of their connections.

Since 2016, Turkey 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 30-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 40,000 people, including women, children and infants. The YPG is the PKK's Syrian offshoot.

- Afghanistan

On Afghanistan, Akar reiterated Turkey's military contribution to NATO missions there since 2002.

Turkey's primary aim has been to contribute to Afghanistan's security, prosperity and peace, he added.

Turkey, whose forces in Afghanistan have always been consisted of noncombatant troops, is reported to have offered to guard the Kabul airport as questions remain on how security will be assured along major transport routes and at the airport, which is the main gateway to the capital.

Ankara has been running the military and logistic operations of the Kabul airport for six years as part of the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission.

* Writing by Ahmet Gencturk