Colonel Zeki Aktürk, the Press and Public Relations Advisor to the Ministry of National Defense (MoB), has organized an informative assembly on the ministry regarding the actions performed previously week. Aktürk emphasised that the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) keep an uninterrupted wrestle towards all terrorist organizations, together with PKK/KCK/PYD-YPG, ISIS, and FETÖ.
He acknowledged, “Through successfully executed operations and a strategy focused on eradicating terrorism at its source, 67 terrorists have been neutralized in the past week. This brings the total number of neutralized terrorists to 1062 within this year and a total of 38,405 since July 24, 2015. Additionally, significant amounts of diverse types of ammunition have been seized within the ongoing successful Pençe-Kilit Operation this week.”
179 people apprehended on the border final week
Colonel Aktürk conveyed that supplementary and efficient measures are being sustained to stop unlawful border crossings. He added, “In the past week, 179 individuals attempting to cross our borders through illegal means have been apprehended. Of these individuals, 13 are members of terrorist organizations, with 9 being affiliated with FETÖ. 3,076 individuals were prevented from crossing the border. Thus, the number of individuals apprehended while attempting illegal border crossings has risen to 4,931 this year, out of which 369, including 245 FETÖ members, have been handed over to law enforcement. The number of individuals prevented from crossing the border stands at 138,011.”
33 terrorists rendered ineffective in harassment and assaults
While efforts proceed for the secure return and normalization of Syrians to a safe surroundings, Colonel Aktürk highlighted that responses have been given to assaults by terrorists. He acknowledged, “Since the beginning of this year, our operation zones have witnessed 91 harassments and attacks by terrorist organizations, including 5 in the past week alone. Thanks to the immediate intervention of our heroic commandos, 33 terrorists have been neutralized in the past week, and a total of 777 throughout the year.”
Kosovo peace power to be assumed by our nation
Colonel Aktürk underlined that the TSK can also be fulfilling its duties inside the scope of worldwide bilateral relations. He stated, “As known, following events in Kosovo, a commando battalion from the 65th Mechanized Infantry Brigade has been assigned as a reserve unit. The commando battalion, which commenced its duties in July, is planned to continue its mission until the beginning of September. Furthermore, our country will take over the command of the Kosovo Peace Force from October for a one-year duration.”
Source: www.anews.com.tr
