Turkish security forces neutralize over 1,000 PKK terrorists in 65 days
by Nurbanu Kızıl
ISTANBULSep 10, 2015 - 12:00 am GMT+3
by Nurbanu Kızıl
Sep 10, 2015 12:00 am
Turkish security forces have neutralized 1,116 PKK terrorists since July 22 in anti-terrorism operations conducted throughout the country, as opposition against the terrorist organization grows each day, displayed through demonstrations, condemnations and statements by civil society, states and international organizations, as well as locals who pledge allegiance to the state rather than the PKK.
Turkey has displayed a firm stance against terrorism following the surge in terrorist attacks, which increased after the PKK ended the ceasefire in July and started attacking dams and Turkish forces especially in the country's Eastern and Southeastern regions.
According to reports, 1,116 terrorists have been neutralized by Turkish security forces, while 40 terrorists have been detained since July 22. Around 620 terrorists located outside of Turkey and 300 within Turkish borders have reportedly been injured in the operations.
Turkey has detained 2,337 suspects under the scope of anti-terrorism operations carried out in many cities against the PKK, YDG-H –the youth wing of the PKK-, ISIS and DHKP-C. 625 out of these suspects have been arrested.
The operations against the terrorist organization have intensified following the killing of 16 Turkish soldiers in Hakkari's Dağlıca district.
Accordingly, the Turkish military has conducted airstrikes and a cross-border ground incursion against the PKK's camps located in Northern Iraq. 20 targets were hit in the past two days. Turkey's Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu has said on Thursday that airstrikes continue.
The terrorists did not only attack Turkish security forces, but civilians have also been a target. They have reportedly set 265 vehicles on fire, and have planted bombs on roads.
On Wednesday night, PKK terrorists have blocked a road in Bingöl province and attempted to burn vehicles, but public opposed it and questioned their motives:
"You say you fight for the Kurds, but why don't you listen to the Kurds and harm them?" people have reportedly said to the PKK terrorists, and criticized the PKK's indiscriminate use of violence and terrorism.
Also on Wednesday, a Kurdish tribe, which allegedly has over 65,000 members in Turkey's Hakkari province has announced that they will stand up against PKK terrorists and stay loyal to the state.
Turkey has been hit by violence since a suicide bomb attack by a suspected ISIS supporter killed 32 activists in Suruç on July 20.
The Turkish government has intensified its counterterror operations following the recent attacks carried out against Turkish forces and civilians by the PKK, which is recognized as a terrorist organization by the U.S., the EU and Turkey.
Formed in 1978, the terrorist group has been fighting the Turkish government for an independent state until the early 2000's. The group then shifted its goal to autonomy in predominately Kurdish inhabited regions of Turkey.
The PKK announced on July 11 that the cease-fire which was declared via a message from the PKK's imprisoned leader Abdullah Öcalan in 2013 has ended.
After the end of cease-fire, more than 110 Turkish security forces were killed in terrorist attacks including the recent Dağlıca and Iğdır attacks that respectively claimed the lives of 16 soldiers and 13 police officers.
Turkish security forces have arrested thousands of people with suspected links to ISIS, the PKK, and leftist groups.
The Turkish Air Force has been carrying airstrikes against the PKK in northern Iraq and the ISIS terrorists in northern Syria.
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