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78 targets destroyed and 77 terrorists neutralized in Operation Claw-Lock

Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler stated, "With the air operations conducted in northern Iraq and Syria, 78 targets, including caves, shelters, and oil facilities, have been destroyed, and 77 terrorists have been neutralized."

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Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler presided over a video teleconference meeting to evaluate the latest situation in the Operation Claw-Lock region. Minister Güler stated that 9 soldiers were martyred in a clash with terrorists attempting to infiltrate a base area in the region on January 12, that the attacks were immediately responded to, and that 23 terrorists were neutralized during the contact.

Minister Güler noted the following in his speech:

"On January 12, unfortunately, 9 of our heroic comrades-in-arms were martyred in the Operation Claw-Lock region. On this occasion, I wish God's mercy upon our dear martyrs and a speedy recovery to our wounded, and I extend my condolences and patience to their grieving families and our noble nation. The attacks were immediately responded to, and 23 terrorists were neutralized during the contact. Subsequently, a total of 78 targets, including caves, bunkers, shelters, and oil facilities used by the separatist terrorist organization—which were assessed to also contain terrorists at the leadership level—were destroyed through air operations conducted in the Metina, Hakurk, Gara, and Kandil regions of northern Iraq and in northern Syria. A total of 77 terrorists have been neutralized."

Minister Güler stated that the fight against terrorism will continue with increasing intensity until not a single terrorist remains, adding, "In conclusion, our fight against terrorism will continue with determination and resolve, both domestically and across the border, against all terrorist organizations, primarily the PKK/PYD/YPG, FETÖ, and DAESH, with an offensive spirit and at an increasing pressure and tempo, based on the concept of destroying terrorism at its source, until not a single terrorist remains. The greatest share of the successes achieved belongs to you, my heroic and self-sacrificing comrades-in-arms, primarily our dear martyrs and veterans," he said.