Turkish security forces 'neutralized' 1,715 terrorists so far this year

By Muhammed Enes Calli

ISTANBUL (AA) - Türkiye has "neutralized" as many as 1,715 PKK/YPG terrorists since the beginning of this year, including those hiding out across the border in Iraq and northern Syria, the National Defense Ministry said on Thursday.

A total of 33 terrorists were targeted last week, a ministry official told reporters at a background 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 US, and EU – has been responsible for the deaths of over 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants. The YPG is its Syrian branch.

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

All necessary measures are being taken to maintain security and stability in operation zones, and terrorist attacks are being met with proportional responses, the official added.

Since January, 417 incidents and attacks have been carried out by the terrorist group in areas of Türkiye's counter-terrorism operations, and 1,298 terrorists have been "neutralized" with the immediate response of Turkish soldiers, according to the official.

On illegal crossings into Türkiye, the official said thanks to additional effective measures, 10,413 people who tried to illegally cross Türkiye's borders have been caught since Jan. 1, including 555 terrorists.

About 179,677 people were prevented before they crossed the border.

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.

- Humanitarian aid to Gaza

Asked about Türkiye's humanitarian aid to Gaza, which has endured nearly three weeks of a relentless Israeli bombing campaign, a ministry source said: "Our aid activities and flights to Gaza will continue. The important issue there is the delivery of aid to Gaza and the preparation of the environment there."

The source added that they will continue to deliver humanitarian aid in the coming days despite some difficulty getting aid into Gaza, where only a trickle of aid trucks is being let in.

After a week of a “total siege” on Gaza – cutting off electricity, water, and humanitarian supplies to the strip – over the last several days Israel has let some aid in, but only a small fraction of what its 2.2 million residents need.

- Israel's attacks on Gaza

On Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's statement that they would “continue to use diplomatic and, if necessary, military means” to deal with the crisis in Gaza, the ministry source was asked whether there was any planning in this regard.

"Our president has made the necessary statements and emphasized that Türkiye will never shy away from taking responsibility," the source responded.

"The Turkish Armed Forces have successfully fulfilled every task assigned to them to date. Türkiye's efforts continue to achieve a cease-fire and peace, to stop the bloodshed."

"Our military capabilities are active for the delivery of humanitarian aid to people in Gaza."

Israel must immediately stop its attacks on civilians, said the source, adding that an immediate humanitarian corridor should be established to meet the urgent needs in Gaza.