Turkish security forces 'neutralized' 1,927 terrorists this year

By Sarp Ozer

ANKARA (AA) – Türkiye has "neutralized" 1,927 PKK/YPG terrorists, including those who took refuge in Iraq and northern Syria, since the beginning of this year, the National Defense Ministry announced on Thursday.

A total of 59 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 use hideouts across Türkiye's border in northern Iraq and Syria to plot attacks on Turkish forces and local populations.

However, all necessary measures are being taken to maintain security and stability in operational zones, and terrorist attacks are being dealt with proportionate responses, the official added.

Since January, the terrorist group has carried out 445 attacks in areas of Türkiye's counter-terrorism operations. However, Turkish forces "neutralized" 1,377 terrorists, including some through rapid actions, the official added.

Concerning illegal border crossings by irregular immigrants into Türkiye, the official said with the additional effective measures, 12,467 people who tried to cross the country’s borders have been caught since Jan. 1, including 576 terrorists.

While approximately 191,766 people were prevented from crossing the border during the same period.

Türkiye has been a key transit point for irregular migrants seeking to enter Europe in the hope of starting new lives, particularly those fleeing war and persecution.

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

- Claims rejected

Asked about the claim that US planes landed at Incirlik Air Base in the southern city of Adana to further transport weapons to Israel over the Greek Cypriot Administration, the ministry sources said: "As Türkiye, we are not involved in any activity that would be detrimental to our brothers in Gaza, and we will not turn a blind eye to such activities.

"The stance of Türkiye on this matter is clear."

- Possible purchase of Eurofighters, F-16s

The process of prioritizing the procurement of F-16 jets to meet the aircraft needs of the Turkish Air Force Command is ongoing, the source said, adding that technical meetings with the US have been completed and that they are closely monitoring the progress of the process.

About the possible purchase of Eurofighter jets, Turkish National Defense Minister Yasar Guler and British Defense Secretary Grant Shapps will meet on Thursday, the sources added.

Citing Guler's remarks that Türkiye is considering the Eurofighters produced by a consortium of the UK, Germany, Spain, and Italy, the sources said: "While the process of F-16 procurement and modernization is ongoing, the only aircraft we are considering is the Eurofighter."

"We have (made) no other efforts in this regard. The procurement of Eurofighters is on the agenda of the meeting between the two ministers today."

"We are addressing the procurement issue through the UK and they indicate that they will assist in lifting Germany's objections."

"We have expressed our desire to initially acquire 20 and later another 20 aircraft."

The ministry sources also provided information about the Türkiye's homegrown fighter jet KAAN, adding: "The first flight of KAAN is planned to take place on Dec. 27.

The domestic engine of KAAN will be ready by 2028, as it is expected to enter service from 2032 onwards, the sources said.