Ankara: The Turkish Defense Ministry has announced that 377 militants from the banned Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) have been killed in military operations conducted by the Turkish army in northern Iraq and Syria since the beginning of this year.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Turkish Defense Ministry Spokesman Zeki Akturk provided details during a media briefing today. He stated that the Turkish army’s operations in northern Iraq and Syria over the past seven days have resulted in the killing of 56 militants. These operations primarily consisted of air strikes carried out by Turkish warplanes targeting the organization’s positions.

Akturk emphasized that the operations are aimed at securing Turkey’s borders and are not intended to infringe upon the sovereignty of Iraq or Syria. He affirmed that the Turkish Armed Forces will persist in combating terrorist organizations that threaten the security of Turkey, Syria, and the wider region.

He also noted that the PKK has its stronghold in the Qandil Mountains of northern Iraq and operates in multiple areas, launching attacks on Turkey from there. The Turkish army is committed to eliminating these terrorist threats.

In response to reports of the new administration in Syria taking control of the Afrin region following the dissolution of the Syrian National Army, Turkish Defense Ministry sources highlighted the importance of the new administration establishing full sovereignty over Syria.

Military sources further confirmed Turkey’s ongoing support for its Syrian counterparts, with a focus on eradicating terrorist organizations. They acknowledged a mutual understanding between Turkey and the new Syrian administration regarding this objective.

These sources also mentioned the continued deployment of Turkish Armed Forces in Syria to ensure border security and the eradication of terrorism, particularly in the northeastern regions. Turkey remains vigilant in assessing threats and risks that may emerge from the evolving situation in Syria.