Turkish forces kill 17 terrorists over week

By Hamdi Celikbas and Sertac Bulur

ANKARA (AA) - Seventeen terrorists were killed in Turkey in the week to Monday, the Interior Ministry said in a statement.

In addition, 11 surrendered and seven were captured since July 24.

The ministry’s statement did not specify the terror groups involved but Turkey is embroiled in a long-running struggle against militants from the PKK, Daesh, the Fetullah Terrorist Organisation (FETO) and the far-left.

During the week, there were 1,157 counter-terrorism operations that led to 243 arrests for aiding the PKK; 57 on suspicion of links to Daesh; 593 suspected of ties to FETO, said to be behind last year’s attempted coup; and 28 believed to be tied to left-wing groups.

Anti-drugs teams across Turkey conducted 2,108 operations, the statement added, leading to the seizure of more than 3,800 kilograms (8,450 pounds) of cannabis, 755 kg (1,660 pounds) of heroin and more than 1.8 million pills.

Nearly 3,000 suspects were arrested in narcotics raids.

The General Staff said in a statement Monday that airstrikes on PKK targets in the Zap area of northern Iraq on Sunday led to the deaths of three PKK terrorists and the destruction of two ammunition depots and two logistics bases.

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 around 1,200 Turkish security personnel and civilians.