Security forces launch nearly 1,700 counter-terrorism raids across Turkey between April 23-30, says Interior Ministry
A total of 23 terrorists were “neutralized” during anti-terror operations across Turkey over the past week, according to the Interior Ministry 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.
In its statement, the ministry said security forces carried out 1,692 counter-terrorism operations between April 23-30.
The ministry said eight of the terrorists were killed, seven others were captured and eight surrendered to authorities.
During the operations, 130 people were arrested for allegedly aiding and abetting the PKK terrorist group and 50 others for their suspected links to the Daesh terrorist group.
Also, another 489 people were arrested for suspected links to the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), and 46 others for their links to leftist terrorist groups.
The PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU -- resumed its armed campaign against Turkey in July 2015.
FETO and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the July 2016 defeated coup, which martyred 250 people and injured nearly 2,200.
Ankara also accuses FETO of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.
Security forces also destroyed 27 shelters, including several caves and 22 improvised explosives during operations in the eastern provinces of Kahramanmaras, Diyarbakir, Hakkari, Tunceli, Mus and Van, the statement said.
In addition, they seized 312 kilograms (2.2 pounds) of explosives materials, eight hand grenades, 15 assorted weapons and 1,996 rounds of various ammunition.
