Ankara: Trkiye has "neutralized" 24 terrorists over the past week in northern Iraq and northern Syria, near the Turkish border, the Turkish National Defense Ministry announced on Thursday.
According to Anadolu Agency, since January 1, a total of 502 terrorists have been 'neutralized,' with 296 in northern Syria and 206 in northern Iraq. "The operations will continue until the last terrorist no longer poses a threat to our country," stated ministry spokesman Zeki Akturk at a briefing in Ankara. Turkish authorities use the term "neutralize" to imply that the terrorists surrendered, were killed, or captured.
In its nearly 40-year campaign against Trkiye, the PKK, recognized as a terrorist organization by Trkiye, the US, and the EU, has been responsible for over 40,000 deaths, including women, children, and infants. The YPG/PYD, also known as the SDF, is the PKK's Syrian offshoot. PKK terrorists often hide in northern Iraq to plot cross-border attacks, while the YPG/PYD seeks to establish a terrorist corridor in northern Syria along Trkiye's borders.
Regarding illegal crossings into Trkiye, Akturk reported that 107 individuals, including five identified as terrorist group members, were apprehended attempting to cross the border illegally in the past week. Since January 1, 1,016 people have been caught at the borders. Last week, 1,514 individuals were stopped, bringing the total number of people prevented from illegally crossing this year to 14,048.
At an emergency Arab summit hosted by Egypt on March 4, leaders approved a five-year, $53 billion plan to rebuild the Gaza Strip without displacing its residents. The Turkish Defense Ministry welcomed the decision on Gaza's reconstruction. Akturk emphasized the importance of maintaining the ceasefire in Gaza, providing humanitarian aid, and halting Israel's attacks in both Gaza and the West Bank. He also called for increased international efforts to ensure that the Palestinian people can live on their own land. "Our country will continue to support any initiative that contributes to regional stability and peace," Akturk said.
On the agreement between Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Ferhad Abdi Sahin, leader of the PKK/YPG/SDF, to integrate the SDF within Syrian institutions, ministry sources stated they will closely evaluate "how the agreement is implemented and its effects on the ground." They will monitor its outcomes to assess the results. The sources stressed Trkiye's ongoing commitment to counterterrorism efforts, noting there has been 'no change' in its objectives, including ending terrorist activities in Syria, disarming militants, and removing foreign fighters. They reiterated Trkiye's firm stance on maintaining Syria's territorial and political integrity.
Additionally, the newly appointed Turkish military attach© in Syria is scheduled to meet with the Syrian defense minister. A Turkish military delegation is expected to visit Syria in the coming days.
Regarding European security, sources from the ministry highlighted Turkish Chief of General Staff Gen. Metin Gurak's participation in the Paris Defense and Strategy Forum, emphasizing Trkiye's key role in ensuring security in Europe. "As a NATO and OSCE member and an EU candidate country, Trkiye is an integral part of European security, supported by its advancing defense industry, significant role in resolving regional crises, and strong military," sources noted. During the visit of the UK defense minister to Trkiye's National Defense Ministry, discussions are expected to focus on topics such as the Ukraine war and European security.