Ministry of National Defense: 'A total of 1,682 terrorists neutralized'

In a statement, the Ministry of National Defense noted that a total of 1,682 terrorists have been neutralized within this year.

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Ministry of National Defense: 'A total of 1,682 terrorists neutralized'

Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk, Press and Public Relations Advisor for the Ministry of National Defense, began his remarks at the Ministry's weekly press briefing by evaluating Israel's attacks on Palestine.

Regarding the latest situation in counter-terrorism operations, Aktürk stated, "Including the 42 terrorists neutralized in the last week, including in northern Iraq and Syria, a total of 1,682 terrorists have been neutralized within this year."

'400 HARASSMENT AND ATTACK FIRES HAVE OCCURRED'

Stating that terrorists' harassment and attack attempts against operation zones in northern Syria continue, Aktürk said, "Since January 1, 400 harassment and attacks have been carried out against our units. With the immediate and retaliatory response, 1,272 terrorists have been neutralized, 26 of them in the last week."

Rear Admiral Aktürk stated that borders are protected by physical security measures supported by technological means and multi-layered security systems, and said the following:

"In the last week, 633 individuals attempting to cross illegally have been apprehended. Of these individuals, 11 are members of terrorist organizations, including 9 FETÖ members. 4,956 individuals were prevented before they could cross the border. Thus, the number of those apprehended while attempting to cross our borders illegally within the year has risen to 9,863. A total of 548 members of terrorist organizations, 382 of whom are FETÖ members, have been handed over to law enforcement agencies. The number of people prevented before crossing the border has reached 176,338."

'WE ARE READY' MESSAGE

Upon a question regarding the tasks the Ministry of National Defense will undertake in the aid efforts planned to be made from Turkey to Palestine following the Israeli attack, MND sources stated, "The Turkish Armed Forces are ready to take on tasks regarding both humanitarian aid and evacuation in line with the directives to be given."

The sources emphasized that the most important factor in carrying out aid efforts is the suitability of the environment in the region, drawing attention to the Turkish Armed Forces' experience in both evacuation and medical support.

'WE ARE CLOSELY MONITORING'

Upon being reminded of the statements that a second US aircraft carrier strike group would come to the Eastern Mediterranean, the sources stated that they are closely monitoring all developments in the region regarding defense and security, and that they have taken all necessary measures.

Expressing that many countries have shown close interest and attention to the region for many years, the sources replied, "Aircraft carrier strike groups operate here at certain intervals. The US announced that it has assigned another strike group. That aircraft carrier strike group has not arrived yet. When we ask our US counterparts about this issue, they report that 'they have come within the scope of the operation for the evacuation of non-combatants and civilians.' We are also closely monitoring the efforts."

TRNC MESSAGE

Regarding a question about the Turkish Armed Forces' activities in the Eastern Mediterranean, the sources stated that the TAF's planned training and exercises continue with determination, saying, "The TAF continues to protect the rights, interests, and concerns of Turkey and the TRNC with resolve and determination. In this context, our Naval Forces continue their reconnaissance, surveillance, flag-showing, presence-demonstrating, training, and exercise activities in the Eastern Mediterranean with a sufficient number of ships."

'THE POINT WHERE ALL HUMANITY ENDS'

Regarding the attack on the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza, Aktürk said, "The massacre of innocent civilians, the majority of whom are children and women, by disregarding international law and the most basic human values is the point where all humanity ends."

Conveying his wishes for mercy to those who lost their lives in the attacks and healing to the wounded, Aktürk stated, "We once again emphasize that the conflicts between Israel and Palestine ending as soon as possible is of great importance for regional and world peace, and that the attacks on civilians in Gaza must be ended immediately and mutual positive steps must be taken for a permanent solution."

News Source: AA