In the past week, Turkish security forces took down 45 PKK/YPG terrorists in northern Iraq and northern Syria, bringing the total to 2,194 since the beginning of the year. Rear Adm. Zeki Akturk, the National Defense Ministry’s spokesperson, shared this information during a press conference in Ankara.
The term “neutralize” used by Turkish authorities denotes surrender, capture, or elimination of terrorists. The PKK, a designated terrorist organization, and its Syrian branch YPG have been responsible for the deaths of over 40,000 individuals in a terror campaign spanning nearly four decades.
The PKK terrorists often find refuge in northern Iraq to plan attacks on Turkey, while YPG/PKK members in northern Syria aim to disrupt the stability established by Turkish troops and local Syrians. As part of border security measures, 194 individuals, including terrorist group members, were apprehended while trying to cross illegally.
Turkey is in the process of acquiring Eurofighter Typhoon and F-16 fighter jets to enhance its air force capabilities. The procurement of F-16s is progressing as per schedule, while technical discussions for Eurofighter Typhoon acquisition are underway involving Germany, Spain, Italy, and the UK.