Ministry of National Defense announces: 1,351 terrorists neutralized this year

The Ministry of National Defense (MSB) has shared information regarding counter-terrorism efforts.

Press and Public Relations Advisor Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk announced at the meeting that 1,351 terrorists have been neutralized in the counter-terrorism operation zone since January 1, with 80 of them neutralized in the last week alone. Aktürk continued as follows:

"In this period, during which the most comprehensive and effective activities of the last century are being carried out, our heroic army continues its struggle against all kinds of threats and dangers, especially the PKK/KCK/PYD-YPG, DAESH, and FETÖ terrorist organizations, with determination and resolve."

NUMBER OF NEUTRALIZED TERRORISTS RISES TO 38,694

"In this context, including northern Iraq and Syria; 1,351 terrorists have been neutralized in the counter-terrorism operation zone since January 1, with 80 of them in the last week. Thus, the number of terrorists neutralized since July 24, 2015, has reached 38,694."

Stating that 82 targets were engaged, Aktürk said, "Furthermore, with the planned air operations carried out by our Air Force elements against terrorist hideouts between September 1-23, 82 targets in Qandil, Asos, Gara, Metina, Zap, and Hakurk were engaged. Through these operations, shelters, caves, and depots used by terrorists were destroyed, and according to initial information obtained, it has been determined that 58 terrorists were neutralized. The impact assessment of the targets is ongoing."

"UNTIL NOT A SINGLE TERRORIST REMAINS..."

Stating that the counter-terrorism struggle will continue with the same determination and resolve until not a single terrorist remains, Aktürk said,

"In addition to these operations, our Ministry continues its fight against FETÖ with determination in light of new information, documents, and data. At our borders, which are protected by the most intensive measures in our Republican history and a multi-layered security system; 621 individuals attempting to cross illegally have been apprehended in the last week. Of these individuals, 27 are members of terrorist organizations, including 15 FETÖ members. 4,035 individuals were prevented from crossing the border."

Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk continued his speech by saying:

"Thus, the number of people apprehended while attempting to cross our borders illegally throughout the year has risen to 8,063, and a total of 524 members of terrorist organizations, including 360 FETÖ members, have been handed over to law enforcement agencies. The number of people prevented from crossing the border has reached 162,415."

"Additionally, a total of 4,889 kilograms of narcotics have been seized in operations conducted since the beginning of the year, with 20 kilograms seized in the last week alone."

"Efforts are continuing to establish stability in Syria as soon as possible, to ensure the safe return of Syrians to their environment, and to achieve normalization."

"On the other hand, all necessary measures are being taken to maintain security and stability in the operation zones."

"Since the beginning of this year, 342 harassment and attacks have been carried out by the terrorist organization against our operation zones, and these attacks have been responded to in kind, with 991 terrorists neutralized, 65 of whom were in the last week."

News Source: 12punto