ISTANBUL

Türkiye "neutralized" 18 terrorists over the past two weeks, including those hiding across the border in northern Iraq and Syria, the National Defense Ministry said on Thursday.

"In the past week, 18 terrorists were eliminated in operations conducted against terrorism in northern Iraq and northern Syria," ministry spokesman Zeki Akturk told reporters at a briefing in the capital Ankara.

A total of 555 terrorists have been "neutralized" since Jan. 1, he added.

"In the Operation Claw-Lock zone, a PKK terrorist surrendered and a large number of weapons, ammunition and materials belonging to terrorists were found in the caves identified during the search and combing activities in the region," the spokesman said.

Turkish authorities use the term "neutralize" to imply the terrorists in question surrendered or were killed or captured.

In its nearly 40-year terror campaign against Türkiye, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the US, and EU – has been responsible for the deaths of more than 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants. The YPG is PKK’s Syrian offshoot.

PKK terrorists often hide in northern Iraq to plot cross-border attacks in Türkiye. It also has a Syrian branch, known as the YPG.

Illegal crossings into Türkiye

Regarding illegal border crossings into Türkiye, Akturk said 209 people, including eight members of terrorist organizations, were apprehended while attempting to cross within two weeks.

Another, 4,043 people were prevented from crossing the border.

"The number of people caught while attempting to cross our borders illegally since Jan. 1 has risen to 1,372. The number of people who have been prevented from crossing the border without success has reached 21,358,” he said.

Approximately 10 kilograms (22 pounds) of narcotics were seized in operations conducted in the last two weeks, the spokesperson added.

Ceasefire mechanism in Syria

Meanwhile, ministry sources said a significant step was taken in Syria, with the first technical meeting on establishing a ceasefire mechanism held in Azerbaijan.

The meeting aims to prevent further unintended incidents in the region, the sources added, stressing Türkiye’s commitment to supporting Syria’s territorial integrity and combating terrorism.

"Türkiye’s sole objective is to assist in ensuring Syria's territorial integrity, stability, and security, and to help rid it of terrorism. Türkiye has the intention, capacity, and vision to achieve this. All activities conducted and to be conducted for this purpose will be carried out in line with agreements between the two states, in accordance with international law, and without targeting third countries.

"Wherever the Turkish Armed Forces go, they bring stability and peace, and they do not pose a threat to anyone who does not pose a threat to them. In contrast, Israel is targeting Türkiye with unjust accusations and trying to create an international perception of tensions between the two countries through provocative statements. This path Israel has chosen to cover up its illegal actions will not be sustainable."

The sources also addressed the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) withdrawal from Aleppo and the Tishrin Dam, which is being monitored closely by Türkiye. They noted the importance of the agreement between the SDF and the Syrian government, underlining the ongoing monitoring of the situation.

Rising anti-Türkiye sentiment in Greek Cyprus

The sources said Türkiye also expressed concerns over the establishment of a new anti-Türkiye terrorist organization in the Greek Cypriot administration.

Referring to the anniversary of the EOKA terrorist organization’s formation, the sources pointed out the growing anti-Turkish sentiment in Greece and Greek Cyprus. They warned against any attempts to threaten the security of Turkish Cypriots.

"It should be remembered that those trying to engage in unwanted attempts will meet the same fate as the predecessors of the mentioned organization."

Submarine cable controversy in Eastern Mediterranean

The ministry sources also addressed the ongoing controversy regarding the installation of a submarine cable by Greece, the Greek Cypriot administration and Israel in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The sources said Türkiye has reiterated its stance that such projects, which do not consider its maritime rights, will not be tolerated.

"Türkiye is the country with the longest coastline in the Eastern Mediterranean. Türkiye’s and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus's presence in the region is not taken into account," the sources said. "Türkiye has vowed to take all necessary measures to ensure the security of Turkish Cypriots."

Libyan general’s visit to Türkiye

Meanwhile, the sources, commenting on the visit of Gen. Saddam Haftar, commander of the Libyan National Army, to Türkiye, said Ankara remains committed to supporting Libya’s unity, solidarity, peace, and stability.

"The time has come to refer to Libya as one entity, not as East and West. This official visit is important as it reflects our policy of embracing all of Libya and promoting inclusivity and stability," the sources added.