Turkish Security Forces Successfully Conduct Anti-Terror Operations

At least 13 terrorists were killed and 11 surrendered in anti-terror operations in southeastern Turkey between March 13-20, according to reports by Turkey’s Interior Ministry and Ankara-based media outlet Anadolu Agency.

Turkish security forces conducted 230 operations against various terrorist organizations throughout the week, which included joint operations by Gendarmerie Special Forces, commando units, special operations police and the Turkish Armed Forces. Dozens of suspects were detained on charges of relations with organizations including Daesh and Fethullahci Teror Orgutu (FETO).

In the southeastern and eastern provinces of Batman, Bingol, Agri, Diyarbakir, Sirnak and Tunceli, 21 shelters and caves used by terrorists were reported to have been destroyed. Security forces seized 65 different models of weapons, which include 34 heavy and long-barrel firearms, 15 grenades and 19 improvised explosive devices.

Meanwhile, more than 5.5 tons (12,125 pounds) of hashish and 1,709,307 pills were seized in 422 operations against drug trafficking. Security forces also confiscated over 720,000 packages of smuggled cigarettes and 25,000 liters of fuel.