26 terrorists neutralized in the last week!

Ministry of National Defense (MSB) sources announced that Iraqi authorities also view the PKK terrorist organization as a threat and are approaching proposals for a Joint Operations Center and other counter-terrorism cooperation positively.

MSB Press and Public Relations Advisor Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk stated at a press briefing held at the ministry that the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) are continuing their fight against terrorism with determination.

608 TERRORISTS NEUTRALIZED SINCE JANUARY 1

Aktürk emphasized that with operations carried out against all terrorist organizations, primarily the PKK/KCK/PYD-YPG, ISIS, and FETÖ, 26 terrorists have been neutralized in the last week, including in northern Iraq and northern Syria, and that the number of terrorists neutralized since January 1, 2024, has reached 608, with 242 in northern Iraq and 366 in northern Syria.

Rear Admiral Aktürk announced that Lieutenant Hulusi Elçi was martyred and 4 soldiers were wounded in a clash with terrorists who attempted to infiltrate and attack a base area in the Claw-Lock Operation region. Aktürk stated that 6 terrorists were neutralized in the clash.

Stating that 39 targets consisting of shelters, bunkers, and caves, which were determined to be used by the PKK terrorist organization and were assessed to contain terrorists at the leadership level, were destroyed in the Metina, Zap, Hakurk, Gara, and Qandil regions of northern Iraq through air operations conducted after the attack, Aktürk said that impact assessments of the targets are ongoing.

Aktürk stated that 854 terrorists have been neutralized to date in the Claw-Lock Operation, a total of 1,916 weapons of various calibers and 803,241 rounds of ammunition have been seized, 2,650 mines/improvised explosive devices have been detected and destroyed, and 900 caves/shelters have been rendered unusable.

Reporting that 2 more PKK terrorists who fled from shelters in northern Iraq surrendered to the border outpost in Habur, Aktürk said, "The only way out for terrorists is to surrender to Turkish justice. Our Turkish Armed Forces will continue their fight against terrorism with determination until the bloodthirsty terrorists are no longer a threat to our country and our region; for the terrorists who feel fear in their bones, these final struggles will never be a solution."

Aktürk stated that all necessary measures are being taken to maintain security and stability in Syria and that efforts are continuing to ensure the safe return of Syrians to a secure environment.

Regarding questions about whether a Joint Operations Center will be established following recent meetings with Iraqi authorities, MSB sources stated that discussions with Iraq are continuing at certain levels and that preparations for a Strategic Framework Document are ongoing. The sources announced that the Iraqi side is approaching counter-terrorism positively.

Ministry sources made the following assessments regarding questions about the PKK terrorist organization's latest attack:

"The places where the attacks have been carried out recently are now the most remote, frontline areas of the Claw-Lock Operation region. There is a small section left there; once we clear that and close the lock, our borders will become more secure. The goal of the terrorist organization's recent attacks is to prevent this lock from being closed. For the terrorist organization, these attacks are their final struggles. These struggles will not save them from the expected end."