Turkey "neutralized" 39 PKK/YPG terrorists over the past week, including individuals hiding across the border in northern Iraq and Syria, announced the Turkish National Defense Ministry on Thursday.

A total of 398 terrorists have been "neutralized" since January 1, 2024, with 151 in northern Iraq and 247 in northern Syria, as stated by ministry spokesman Zeki Akturk during a briefing in the capital, Ankara.
The term "neutralize" is used by Turkish authorities to indicate that the terrorists in question either surrendered, were killed, or captured.

Akturk commended the country's security forces for their unwavering commitment to duty despite harsh weather conditions and challenging terrain in base areas and along borders.

Emphasizing the significance of surrendering to Turkish law, Akturk highlighted a recent positive development where two PKK terrorists who had fled from a hideout in northern Iraq surrendered to Turkish authorities at the Habur border post.

Turkey has conducted a series of successful anti-terror operations across its border in northern Syria since 2016, including Operations Euphrates Shield (2016), Olive Branch (2018), and Peace Spring (2019), aiming to prevent the formation of a terror corridor and facilitate the peaceful resettlement of residents.

The PKK, designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union, has been responsible for over 40,000 deaths in its more than 35-year terror campaign against Turkey. The YPG is recognized as the Syrian offshoot of the PKK.

Regarding illegal border crossings, Akturk reported that 13,640 individuals, including 605 terrorists, have been apprehended attempting to illegally cross Turkey's borders since January 1. An additional 24,537 people have been prevented from crossing the border during the same period.

Akturk also expressed concern over Israeli attacks on Rafah, warning that continued attacks could exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. He emphasized the necessity of a just resolution to the Palestine issue for lasting peace in the region.

In addition, Akturk highlighted Turkey's humanitarian assistance to Gaza, including the recent transportation of medical supplies and healthcare personnel, as well as the evacuation of patients and their companions to Turkey.

The Defense Ministry spokesman also mentioned National Defense Minister Yasar Guler's participation in the NATO Defense Ministers Meeting in Brussels, where discussions focused on strengthening NATO's defense and deterrence capabilities.

Furthermore, Akturk provided updates on the F-16 procurement and modernization kits, along with Turkey's participation in the F35 program, indicating progress in the procurement process and ongoing discussions regarding modernization activities.

Regarding Minister Guler's visit to Iraq, security sources emphasized the importance of collaboration in the fight against terrorism and reiterated Turkey's commitment to ensuring the security of its borders and preventing Iraqi territories from being used as bases for terrorist attacks against Turkey.