By Muhammed Boztepe
ANKARA (AA) – Turkish security forces have neutralized nearly 14,700 terrorists as part of anti-terror operations over the last three years, the country’s national defense minister said on Friday.
Speaking to Anadolu Agency in the capital Ankara, Hulusi Akar spoke on recent developments in the fight against terrorism at home and abroad, saying a total of 14,694 terrorists were neutralized from July 24, 2015, to Oct. 23, 2018.
Stating that a heavy blow was dealt to terrorists inside the country, he said: “No cave, mountain, or hill was left unturned. Every stone was looked under. We continue to do so.”
The terrorists have been crippled, said Akar. “Their communications [among themselves], their winter deployments and food gathering have been limited in all respects.”
“They are under very serious pressure by unmanned drones, aircraft, artillery, commandos and special forces. Top [terrorist] figures are aware of how desperate the situation is. That’s why they’re pursuing a number of individual and sensational acts.”
On Turkish forces' cross-border operations, he said: “We’re monitoring all of them [terror cells] including the Qandil and Sinjar [northern Iraqi regions] closely. We’ve taken necessary measures and will continue to do so.”
Iraq’s Mt. Qandil has been the main base of the terrorist PKK.
Akar also vowed the fight will continue until the last terrorist is neutralized.
-Drones' role
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.
On the role of unmanned drones in the fight against terrorism, Akar said they played an important role in Operation Euphrates Shield, which eliminated terrorists along the Syrian border, and particularly in Afrin, Syria.
On Jan. 20, Turkey launched Operation Olive Branch to free Afrin of YPG/PKK and Daesh terrorists. On March 18, Turkish troops and the Free Syrian Army liberated the Afrin district center.
On Turkish exports of unmanned drones, some armed, Akar said: “Exporting efforts have started in earnest. Our intense contacts with friendly, brotherly countries continues,”
In July, Turkish-made unmanned aerial vehicles, equipped with the latest smart ammunition systems, were successfully tested.
The unmanned drones drew great attention from allied countries, Akar added.
