Türkiye has “neutralized” as many as 1,388 PKK/YPG terrorists because the starting of this yr, 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 informed a briefing within the capital Ankara.
Turkish authorities use the time period “neutralize” to indicate 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 obligatory measures are being taken to keep up 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, in line with the official.
Since 2016, Ankara has launched a trio of profitable anti-terror operations throughout its border in northern Syria to stop 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 towards Türkiye, the PKK-listed as a terrorist group by Türkiye, the U.S., and EU-has been answerable for the deaths of greater than 40,000 individuals, together with ladies, kids, and infants. The YPG is its Syrian department.
On border crossings into Türkiye, the official stated 8,593 individuals, who tried to illegally cross Türkiye’s borders, have been caught since Jan. 1. The determine consists of 533 terrorists.
A complete of 166,611 individuals have been prevented from crossing the border.
Türkiye has been a key transit level for irregular migrants who need to cross into Europe to start out new lives, particularly these fleeing struggle and persecution.
The nation already hosts 4 million refugees, greater than every other nation on the planet.
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 is no such thing as a change in Türkiye’s stance, and the deal ought to proceed with all 4 events concerned.
There aren’t any different alternate options on the desk, they added.
On warning from National Defense Minister Yaşar Güler and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan for ‘third events’ to steer clear of 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 might flip into a brand new floor operation, the sources identified that there are various methods to focus on terrorists.
Their sole aim is to remove terrorist organizations and floor operation isn’t the one possibility, the sources added.
In response to a query in regards to 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 state of affairs, together with the latest terrorist assault in Ankara, was carried out, the supply stated, including that such conferences could be held each time obligatory.
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 law enforcement officials suffered minor accidents within the assault.
Source: www.anews.com.tr
