Turkey ‘neutralizes’ 11 terrorists over past week

By Sertac Bulur

ANKARA (AA) - At least 11 terrorists were “neutralized” in counter-terrorism operations across Turkey over the past week, the country’s Interior Ministry said 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 a statement, the ministry said a total of 2,449 anti-terror operations were conducted between Nov. 12. and 19.

A total of three terrorists were killed, five were captured, while another three terrorists surrendered to Turkish security forces, the statement said.

Security forces also arrested 682 people for aiding and abetting terror organizations, 3,831 people for crimes related to drugs and smuggling and 164 others for human trafficking.

In four provinces, 33 shelters of the terrorist organization and 23 improvised explosives and mines were destroyed. The security forces also seized 289 kilograms of explosive materials, 18 guns -- including long-barreled weapons -- and 6,219 rounds of ammunition.

As part of anti-narcotics operations, the security forces seized over 500 kilograms (1,102 pound) of drugs across the country.

Meanwhile, a total of 5,131 irregular migrants were rounded up during the operation.