Turkish security forces 'neutralized' 45 terrorists last week

Türkiye "neutralized" as many as 45 terrorists last week, including those hiding out across the border in Iraq and northern Syria, the National Defense Ministry said on Thursday, according to Anadolu Agency.

A total of 2,282 terrorists have been targeted since Jan. 1, 2023, a ministry official told reporters in the capital Ankara.

Turkish authorities use the term "neutralize" to imply that the terrorists in question surrendered or were killed or captured.

In its more than 35-year terror campaign against Türkiye, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the US, and EU – has been responsible for the deaths of over 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants. The YPG is its Syrian branch.

PKK/YPG terrorists often hide out across Türkiye's border in northern Iraq and Syria, where they plot attacks on Turkish forces or the local populations.

Since Jan. 1, 2023, the terrorist group carried out 533 attacks in areas falling under Türkiye's counter-terrorism operations, and 1,564 terrorists have been "neutralized," said the official.

On illegal crossings into Türkiye, the official said thanks to effective security measures, 148 people trying to illegally cross Türkiye's borders have been rounded up since Jan. 1.

A total of 3,585 people were prevented from crossing the border.

Türkiye has been a key transit point for irregular migrants who want to cross into Europe to start new lives, especially those fleeing war and persecution.

The country, which already hosts 4 million refugees, more than any other country in the world, is taking new measures at its borders to prevent a fresh influx of migrants.