Türkiye 'neutralizes' nearly 50 terrorists over past 10 days in northern Syria, Iraq

By Merve Aydogan

ANKARA (AA) – Pledging to continue Türkiye's efforts against all means of cross-border threat and danger, the Turkish defense chief on Thursday said the country's security forces have "neutralized" nearly 50 terrorists over the past 10 days in northern Syria and Iraq.

“According to the news we just received, eight terrorists were neutralized in northern Syria last night. Thus, the number of terrorists neutralized in the last 10 days became nearly 50,” said Minister for National Defense Hulusi Akar at an event in central Kayseri province.

Turkish authorities use the term “neutralized” to imply the terrorists in question surrendered or were killed or captured.

Recalling the successes of Turkish troops in combating terrorism in those regions, Akar stressed that terror groups continue to threaten Türkiye despite Turkish soldiers' resolute efforts against the terrorist organization PKK and its affiliates.

"They are trying to threaten our unity, solidarity, sovereignty, and security. With the counterterrorism efforts carried out, at least 37,793 terrorists have been neutralized since July 24, 2015," he added.

He vowed to continue counterterrorism efforts until Türkiye's borders are secure and people are safe.

In its more than 35-year terror campaign against Türkiye, the PKK — listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the US, and the EU — has been responsible for the deaths of more than 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants. It also has a branch in northern Syria known as the YPG.