Turkey neutralizes 1,320 PKK terrorists in March

By Yunus Okur

ERZURUM, Turkey (AA) - Security forces “neutralized” 1,320 PKK terrorists and destroyed 67 hideouts of the terror group during counter-terrorism operations across Turkey, northwestern Syria and northern Iraq in March.

Turkish authorities often use the word "neutralized" in their statements to imply the terrorists in question either surrendered or were killed or captured.

According to information gathered by Anadolu Agency, operations were conducted in Turkey’s southeastern and eastern provinces, including Tunceli, Erzincan, Erzurum, Agri, Kars, Hakkari, Sirnak, Mardin, Siirt, Bitlis, and Van as well as in northern Iraqi region.

A total of 30 security officials were martyred in PKK terror attacks in March; two civilians also lost their lives while six others sustained injuries.

Also, 224 members of the terrorist organization were “neutralized” in domestic operations and air operations.

Additionally, 220 PKK terrorists were arrested; among them were senior officials of the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) and Democratic Regions Party (DBP) who had been accused of being members of the terror group.

During the operations, 67 bunkers including weapon emplacements, shelters, caves and storages were also destroyed to prevent the winter deployment of the terrorists in the region and from carrying out attacks in spring.

The PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and EU -- resumed its armed campaign against Turkey in July 2015. Since then, it has been responsible for the deaths of more than 1,200 Turkish security personnel and civilians.

- Afrin liberated

Turkey on Jan. 20 launched Operation Olive Branch to clear terrorist groups from Afrin, northwestern Syria, near Turkey's border, amid growing threats from the region.

On March 18, Turkish-backed troops liberated the town of Afrin, which had been a major hideout for the terrorist organization PYD/PKK since 2012.

The Turkish Armed Forces are working to restore normal daily life in Afrin by providing necessary humanitarian aid to the region.

A total of 1,096 terrorists were “neutralized” in March as part of the operation, enabling civilians to return to their homes.

- Terror attacks in March

On March 7, an 18-year-old civilian was killed in southeastern Sirnak province’s Besta district when PKK terrorists opened fire on villagers who were collecting firewood.

On March 12, a soldier was martyred during clashes with terrorists in eastern Agri province’s Dogubayazit district, while two children were injured when a roadside explosive went off.

On March 13, three soldiers were martyred and four others injured when an improvised explosive device planted by PKK terrorists detonated in southeastern Diyarbakir province’s Dicle district.

On March 19, a specialized sergeant and a village guard were martyred when terrorists opened fire on a moving vehicle in Diyarbakir's Hani district.

On the same day, a villager was killed and four others injured in eastern Bitlis province’s Kayalibag district when a group of villagers were reportedly gathering firewood.

On March 22, a blast martyred one Turkish soldier and injured another in Bitlis.

On March 23, three Turkish soldiers were martyred and three others wounded by an explosion during a search operation in Syria's Afrin as part of Operation Olive Branch.

On March 29, six soldiers were injured when PKK terrorists targeted a military vehicle near the district of Hazro in Diyarbakir province with long-barreled weapons and rocket launchers.

On March 30, six village guards were martyred, while three village guards and four soldiers were injured when PKK terrorists attacked village guards and soldiers who were providing security for road maintenance work in the village of Ormandi.