2,085 militants "neutralized" since launch of Turkey's Operation Euphrates Shield: Turkish military

ANKARA-Anadolu Agency

The total number of the "neutralized" militants in northern Syria since the ongoing Turkey-led Operation Euphrates Shield was launched last Aug., is at least 2,085, according to the latest data of the Turkish military. 

1,775 of these neutralized are ISIL militants, the weekly statement of the Turkish general staff said. 

Turkish authorities often use the word "neutralized" in their statements to imply the terrorist in question was either killed or captured. 

Since Aug., 225 residential areas and 1,870 square kilometers have also been secured in the Azaz-Jarabulus corridor in northern Syria as part of the operations. 

The Turkish air force command targeted 1,141 with 1,233 bombs and 2,922 improvised explosives and 43 mines were demolished. 

In that regard, not only 310 PKK/PYD militants were neutralized during the operations, but also the group's permanent shelter places as well as their key routes especially in Turkey's southeastern Hakkari, Şırnak, Diyarbakır, Mardin and Bitlis provinces, became inoperable. 

Turkish jets also destroyed their mortars, improvised explosives, infantry riffles, guns, and some other equipment used for building bombs.

Meanwhile, 53 shelter places of the group became dysfunctional due to the ongoing operations. 

In addition, 5,646 individuals were caught who wanted to cross Turkey's borders illegally, according to the Turkish authorities. 

During clashes within the last week, 2 Turkish security officials were killed, while 4 others were wounded. 

Moreover, as part of the ongoing Turkey-led operations in northern Syria, 228 ISIL targets were destroyed and 18 militants were neutralized on Jan. 14, according to the Turkish army.