02 January 2017•Update: 03 January 2017
ANKARA
Turkish security forces have “neutralized” 26 PKK terrorists since Dec. 26, the country’s Interior Ministry said on Monday.
According to a statement, two of the terrorists were killed, 19 surrendered to the authorities and five were detained, all between Dec. 26 and Jan. 2.
The statement said 342 people had been taken into custody during the operations. Thirty-four of these detainees have since been charged with various offences.
The Turkish security forces also inflicted a heavy blow on the terrorist organization’s drug trade last week, according to the Interior Ministry.
Over 25.3 million Turkish liras’ worth ($7.1 million) of narcotics -- including heroin, marijuana and methamphetamine -- were seized.
The PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU -- resumed its decades-old armed campaign in July 2015.
Over 1,100 people, including over 800 security personnel and over 300 civilians, have lost their lives in PKK attacks since then.
More than 4,000 security personnel and over 2,000 civilians have also been injured.
Monday’s statement also said 147 people linked to the Daesh terrorist organization were taken into custody during operations last week. Twenty-five have since been charged.
The statement added that 116 people linked to the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) were also charged with various offences last week.
Led by U.S.-based Fetullah Gulen, FETO is accused of orchestrating the July 15 coup plot in Turkey as well as being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police and judiciary.
The defeated coup left 248 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.
Reporting by Mumin Altas; Writing by Emin Avundukluoglu
