File photo
File photo
The Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) neutralized nine Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) terrorists, who were preparing for an attack, in northern Iraq’s Zap and Avashin-Basyan regions in air operations during the last two days, according to a statement.
Turkish authorities often use the word "neutralized" in their statements to imply that the terrorists in question either surrendered or were killed or captured.
The PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the European Union and the United States. The PKK has been conducting armed violence in the southeastern part of Turkey since 1984. More than 40,000 people, mostly civilians, have been killed in the three-decade long conflict.
At least 23 PKK terrorists were "neutralized" in counter-terrorism operations across Turkey over the past week, the country’s Interior Ministry said on Monday.Turkish authorities often use the word "neutralized" in their statements to imply that the terrorists in question either surrendered or were killed or captured.The ministry said in a statement that a total of 2,421 anti-terror operations were conducted between Oct. 1 and 8.Seven terrorists were killed, four were captured, while another 12 terrorists surrendered to Turkish security forces, the statement said.Security forces seized 24 hand grenades, 303 kilograms (668 pounds) of explosive material, 45 improvised explosives, 25 long-barreled weapons and 3,048 ammunition.In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU -- has been responsible for the deaths of nearly 40,000 people, including women and children.The security forces also arrested 4,475 suspects for crimes linked to drugs and smuggling, 774 others for aiding and abetting terror organizations and 101 suspects for human trafficking.A total of 7,303 irregular migrants were caught during the operations, according to the statement.PKK is hiding behind US flags in Manbij: Syrian Turkmen Council head
Turkish army 'neutralizes' 23 terrorists over past week
Syrian Turkmen Council head Dr. Muhammed Vecih Cuma stated that the locals of Syria’s Manbij, which is currently occupied by Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) terrorists, were reaching breaking point.“Through successful diplomacy, Turkey saved the lives of people in Idlib. It is doing the same in Manbij. That is why it is showing such great patience. If there is an operation, Manbij locals will stand among the ranks of Turkish troops and the Free Syrian Army (FSA),” Cuma said in an exclusive interview with Yeni Şafak daily.Terror group hides behind U.S. flags“The U.S. is trying to preoccupy Turkey with the terrorists’ trenches. The PKK is hiding behind U.S. flags in Manbij. If Americans weren’t there, and if they didn’t have arms or political support, the locals would have cleared the area of those terrorists. Turkey is showing this much patience to ensure a non-military political solution in which civilians are not harmed. That is why it is using a diplomatic path,” he added.The U.S. has established 13 operational military bases in the YPG/PKK controlled territories including Hasakah, Raqqa, Manbij, Kobani and Tal-Abyad in Syria.US trained PKK terrorists behind bombing that martyred eight Turkish soldiersAfter Turkey and the U.S. agreed this June to a roadmap agreement for removal of the YPG/PKK terror organization from Manbij, the terror group has, to the contrary, stepped up its presence and activities in the area.Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s spokesman İbrahim Kalın on Oct. 3 said Washington was stalling over the establishment of joint patrols with Turkey in the northern Syrian town of Manbij which the two countries agreed upon, and Ankara sees the delay as a growing problem.Afrin tactics being used in Manbij“The Americans are not fulfilling the agreement they signed. There were things they had to do, and none of it has been done. On the contrary, trenches are being dug in Manbij by the terrorists. Even though promises were made that the terror group would leave Manbij, the PKK is using the same methods used in Afrin to dig trenches that are 30 kilometers long around the city,” Cuma said.'Turkey to never stop fight against terror'Qandil cadre running Manbij“Nothing has changed for Manbij locals. They are being oppressed. The so-called 25-year-old administrators from Qandil are running Manbij. There is no justice or democracy there, only oppression and pressure. We found out that some locals have started to rally because they are sick of the oppression. I think that in the coming days, community mobilization will increase,” he added.Northern Iraq’s Qandil Mountains are considered as the main base of the PKK.Terror group utilizing trench warfare tacticsThe terrorist group has completed the construction of trenches and embankments in areas surrounding the Manbij city center. The PKK has formed embankments at various depths in front of trenches to make up a series of lines stretching nearly 30 kilometers (18.06 miles). The YPG/PKK terrorists also built tunnels linking trenches to use during possible combat.The PYD and its military YPG wing are Syrian branches of the PKK, which has waged war against Turkey for more than 30 years.“The trenches the terror group has dug will be futile. When the operation is launched, the terrorists will lose. They are digging trenches and preparing, but really, they are hiding behind the U.S. flag. The terrorists there are in control of everything and they gain this power from the U.S.’s weapons and planes. The U.S. has given the terrorists more than 19,000 trucks worth of arms and these are being used against the locals,” Cuma said.Video: YPG/PKK dig ditches around Manbij in fear of Turkish forcesYPG/PKK terror group digging in around Manbij, Syria
PKK is hiding behind US flags in Manbij: Syrian Turkmen Council head