Türkiye has “neutralized” as many as 1,388 PKK/YPG terrorists for the reason that starting of this 12 months, together with these hiding out throughout the border in Iraq and northern Syria, the National Defense Ministry stated on Thursday.
A complete of 37 terrorists have been neutralized final week, a ministry official instructed a briefing within the capital Ankara.
Turkish authorities use the time period “neutralize” to suggest the terrorists in query surrendered or have been killed or captured.
“Efforts continue to establish stability in Syria as soon as possible, enabling the safe return of Syrians to a normalized environment,” the official stated, referring to Türkiye’s efforts in northern Syria.
All essential measures are being taken to take care of stability within the area, the official added.
Since January, 348 incidents and assaults have been carried out by the YPG/PKK terrorist group in areas of Türkiye’s counterterrorism operations, and 1,013 terrorists have been “neutralized” with the quick response of Turkish troopers, based on the official.
Since 2016, Ankara has launched a trio of profitable anti-terror operations throughout its border in northern Syria to forestall the formation of a terror hall and allow the peaceable settlement of residents: Euphrates Shield (2016), Olive Branch (2018), and Peace Spring (2019).
In its greater than 35-year terror marketing campaign in opposition to Türkiye, the PKK-listed as a terrorist group by Türkiye, the U.S., and EU-has been accountable for the deaths of greater than 40,000 folks, together with ladies, youngsters, and infants. The YPG is its Syrian department.
On border crossings into Türkiye, the official stated 8,593 folks, who tried to illegally cross Türkiye’s borders, have been caught since Jan. 1. The determine contains 533 terrorists.
A complete of 166,611 folks have been prevented from crossing the border.
Türkiye has been a key transit level for irregular migrants who need to cross into Europe to begin new lives, particularly these fleeing warfare and persecution.
The nation already hosts 4 million refugees, greater than another nation on the earth.
REVIVAL OF BLACK SEA GRAIN DEAL
On claims {that a} new negotiation course of will start to revive the Black Sea grain deal, sources within the ministry stated there isn’t any change in Türkiye’s stance, and the deal ought to proceed with all 4 events concerned.
There are not any different options on the desk, they added.
On warning from National Defense Minister Yaşar Güler and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan for ‘third events’ to keep away from the PKK/YPG terror group’s services, the sources stated it’s Türkiye’s most ‘pure proper’ to neutralize terrorists to make sure border safety.
“We have always emphasized that the PKK/YPG is the same terrorist organization, and wherever they operate, they are legitimate targets for us,” the insiders stated. “We consistently say that not only allied countries, but also other nations should avoid being in close proximity to these terrorists.”
Regarding whether or not this warning is a brand new one, the sources stated: “This is a reminder. It is up to those who take it upon themselves to take the necessary measures.”
SECURITY MEETING AT NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTRY
Asked if there’s a chance airstrikes in northern Iraq may flip into a brand new floor operation, the sources identified that there are lots of methods to focus on terrorists.
Their sole purpose is to remove terrorist organizations and floor operation isn’t the one choice, the sources added.
In response to a query concerning the safety assembly held on the ministry on Wednesday, the supply stated: “The meeting was about the general security assessment and consultation.”
Fidan, Güler, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, Chief of General Staff Metin Gürak, and intelligence chief İbrahim Kalın attended the assembly.
A basic evaluation of the general safety scenario, together with the latest terrorist assault in Ankara, was carried out, the supply stated, including that such conferences may be held every time essential.
A suicide bomber blew himself up in entrance of the Security Directorate General in Türkiye’s capital on Sunday, whereas one other terrorist was killed by safety forces on the entrance gate. Two cops suffered minor accidents within the assault.
Source: www.anews.com.tr