Ankara: Turkish security forces have successfully neutralized a total of 48 PKK/YPG terrorists in northern Iraq and northern Syria over the past week, as reported by the country's National Defense Ministry on Thursday. According to Anadolu Agency, Rear Adm. Zeki Akturk, the ministry's spokesman, announced during a weekly news conference in Ankara that the cumulative number of terrorists neutralized in these regions since January 1 has now reached 2,205. The term 'neutralize' is used by Turkish authorities to indicate that the terrorists have either surrendered, been killed, or captured. The PKK, labeled a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union, has been involved in a 40-year terror campaign against Turkey, resulting in over 40,000 deaths, including women, children, and the elderly. The YPG is recognized as the PKK's Syrian counterpart. PKK terrorists are known to seek refuge in northern Iraq to orchestrate attacks against Turkey, while YPG/PKK terrorists in northern Syri a aim to threaten the Turkish border and disrupt local stability. Akturk also highlighted Turkish border security efforts, noting that 149 individuals attempting illegal border crossings were captured last week, and 1,443 individuals were prevented from crossing. Since the start of the year, authorities have apprehended 12,610 individuals for illegal crossings and blocked 87,755 attempts. In terms of military procurement, Turkish security sources confirmed that the approval for the sale of Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets to Turkey has been granted by consortium member countries, with Germany approving a Temporary Sales Authority to expedite the process. The Eurofighter is produced by Germany, Spain, Italy, and the UK, requiring consensus from all countries for a sale. Regarding potential new operations in northern Syria, sources affirmed Turkey's right to conduct military actions under international law and legitimate self-defense to secure its borders. They emphasized Turkey's commitment to taking necess ary actions. On developments in Cyprus, sources noted Ankara's vigilance over any potential US military base leases in the Greek Cypriot administration of Southern Cyprus, stressing the importance of maintaining the balance for the security of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Turkey remains committed to safeguarding the rights and interests of the TRNC against any threats. The island of Cyprus has been embroiled in a longstanding conflict between Greek and Turkish Cypriots, with Turkey supporting a two-state solution based on sovereign equality. The TRNC was established in 1983 following Turkey's military intervention in 1974 to protect Turkish Cypriots from violence during a Greek Cypriot coup aimed at annexing the island to Greece.