ERZURUM, Turkey 

Turkish security forces neutralized a total of 134 terrorists affiliated with the PKK and its Syrian branch YPG during domestic and cross-border anti-terror operations.

Turkey's counter-terrorism efforts continue decisively in coordination between the Turkish Armed Forces , National Intelligence Organization, Gendarmerie General Command, police force and local rangers.

Furthermore, the operations targeting the terror group and its youth organization led to the arrest of 222 suspects; 74 of them were remanded in custody, while legal procedures are ongoing for the others.

So far in 2021, a total of 39 terrorists surrendered to security forces thanks to persuasion efforts by security forces. Offenders who are linked to terrorist groups and surrender are eligible for possible sentence reductions under a repentance law.

At least six terrorists were neutralized on March 30 as part of the Operation Eren-5 in the southeastern Mardin province. Two of them, identified as Hasan Mahmudi and Teyyup Cam, were in the red and orange categories of the Interior Ministry’s wanted list, respectively.

The wanted list is divided into five color-coded categories, with red as the most wanted, followed by blue, green, orange and gray.

The two terrorists were involved in attacks between 2008 and 2019 in which Turkish security personnel were wounded or martyred.

Also, the Turkish intelligence caught Ibrahim Babat, codenamed Seh Guyi, a so-called brigade commander of the YPG/PKK in Syria. He was brought to Turkey to face judicial process.

*Writing by Ali Murat Alhas