43 PKK militants ‘neutralized’ in past week: Turkish interior ministry

ANKARA

DHA photo

Turkish security forces have “neutralized” a total of 43 militants of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) in security operations carried out across Turkey in the past week, according to the Interior Ministry. 

The ministry on Sept. 4 said 27 PKK militants were killed, six were apprehended and 10 surrendered to the security forces, totaling the number of “neutralized” militants to 43. 

Authorities use the word “neutralized” to refer to militants who are killed, wounded or captured.  
      
During the security operations, a drone, 16 weapons, of which 13 are heavy and long barreled, 470 kilograms of  materials used in making explosives, nine hand grenades and plenty of ammunition were confiscated, the ministry said. 

In addition, nine shelters used by the PKK militants were destroyed. 

As part of efforts in the struggle against drugs and smuggling, some 2,032 operations in 75 provinces were carried out by the security forces. As a result, 1,582 kilograms of marijuana, 150 kilograms of heroin, 2.2 kilograms of bonsai, 8 kilograms of methamphetamine, 244,460 narcotic pills, 1,430,491 cannabises, 518,443 smuggled cigarettes and 14,534 liters of fuel were seized. 

A total of 2,764 people were detained in the aforementioned operations, the ministry said. 

Some 139 suspects were detained in operations conducted in 76 provinces targeting street vendors. 

According to the ministry, some 285 people were apprehended over “aiding or being a tool of or connected to” terrorist groups. 

A total of 2,903 people were detained over crimes related to narcotics and smuggling and 2,355 people were detained during general checks and traffic procedures. 

“Public security” procedures were conducted between Aug. 29 and 31 in train stations, ports, airports and bus terminals “in order for the Eid al-Adha public holiday to pass with peace and security.”

Security forces also checked areas where sacrificed animals were being sold. 

Some 25,601 personnel participated in the simultaneous operations across Turkey, with support from five air and four naval vehicles and 55 detection dogs. 

The ministry said in part of the controls before the start of Eid, 355,469 people and 149,614 vehicles were checked. 

Some 440 sought individuals were apprehended and 608 vehicles were seized, in addition to 2,355 detainees and 1,113 vehicles banned from traffic.