Ankara: At least 31 terrorists were "neutralized" in counterterrorism operations in northern Iraq and Syria over the past week, the Turkish National Defense Ministry announced Thursday.

According to Anadolu Agency, a total of 308 terrorists have been neutralized since January 1, 2025, as reported by the ministry spokesman, Zeki Akturk, during a briefing in Ankara. Turkish authorities use the term "neutralize" to indicate that the terrorists in question surrendered or were killed or captured.

Regarding illegal border crossings into Trkiye, Akturk stated that 106 people were apprehended while attempting to cross, with three of them being affiliated with terrorist organizations. Another 1,573 individuals were prevented from crossing the border. Akturk added that since January 1, a total of 614 people have been caught attempting illegal border crossings, while 8,181 have been stopped before crossing.

The ministry also addressed reports about the potential involvement of the terrorist organization PKK/PYD/YPG/SDF in the newly established Syrian army. "We are closely monitoring developments in Syria. As we have stated before, the PKK/PYD/YPG/SDF terrorist organization must lay down its arms, its leaders and foreign members must leave Syria, and armed groups must join the national army under the Ministry of Defense as an equal part, without forming a separate structure within the army," ministry sources stated. They emphasized the importance of approaching press reports with caution and focusing on implementation, highlighting Trkiye's stance on Syria's reconstruction and efforts to establish stability and peace.