Since the start of 2024, Türkiye has eliminated over 1,400 terrorists from various organizations, the Defense Ministry announced Thursday. Brig. Adm. Zeki Aktürk stated at a news conference that Turkish forces continue their fight against threats, including the PKK, Daesh, and FETÖ.
Aktürk reported that 1,427 terrorists have been neutralized this year, with 72 eliminated in the last week alone in northern Iraq and Syria. Specifically, 681 were neutralized in Iraq and 746 in Syria. Cooperation with Iraq in counterterrorism efforts is ongoing.
Aktürk highlighted Türkiye’s use of advanced border protection systems, noting that in the past week, 340 people, including four terrorists, were caught attempting to cross the border illegally, and 863 were prevented from crossing. Since January 1, 6,707 people have been caught and 65,225 prevented from illegal border crossings.
The Turkish Armed Forces continue to contribute to regional and global peace and stability through bilateral relations and international missions. The PKK, which has relocated much of its operations to northern Iraq, faces ongoing Turkish efforts to establish a 30-40-kilometer-deep security corridor along the Iraqi and Syrian borders. This aims to disrupt the group’s operations and sever ties between its leaders in Iraq’s Qandil region and Syria.
The PKK, although not designated a terrorist organization in Iraq, has a foothold in the KRG-controlled north, where Baghdad’s influence is limited. Tensions have persisted between Türkiye and Iraq over cross-border operations. Ankara has urged Iraq for greater cooperation, leading Baghdad to ban the PKK in March and establish two military bases in the Zakho region in April.
Recent PKK attacks in Iraq included arsons and planned sabotage, which led to the arrest of three PKK suspects. Additionally, three PKK terrorists surrendered to Turkish forces at the Habur border post.
PKK terrorists often hide in northern Iraq and Syria to plan cross-border attacks in Türkiye.
