ANKARA

Türkiye has "neutralized" as many as 1,835 PKK/YPG terrorists since the beginning of this year, including those hiding out across the border in Iraq and northern Syria, the National Defense Ministry said on Thursday.

A total of 33 terrorists were neutralized last week, a ministry official told reporters at a background briefing in the capital Ankara.

Turkish authorities use the term "neutralize" to imply that the terrorists in question surrendered or were killed or captured.

In its more than 35-year terror campaign against Türkiye, the PKK — listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the US, and EU — has been responsible for the deaths of over 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants. The YPG is its Syrian branch.

PKK/YPG terrorists often hide out across Türkiye's border in northern Iraq and Syria, where they plot attacks on Turkish forces or the local populations.

All necessary measures are being taken to maintain security and stability in operation zones, and terrorist attacks are being met with proportional responses, the official added.

Since January, 433 incidents and attacks have been carried out by the terrorist group in areas under Türkiye's counter-terrorism operation zones, and 1,340 terrorists have been "neutralized" in immediate responses by Turkish forces, according to the official.

On illegal crossings into Türkiye, the official said that thanks to additional measures, 11,521 people who tried to do so have been caught this year, including 566 terrorists.

About 185,205 people were prevented before they crossed the border.

Türkiye has been a key transit point for irregular migrants who want to cross into Europe to start new lives, especially those fleeing war and persecution.

The country, which already hosts 4 million refugees, more than any other country in the world, is taking new measures at its borders to prevent a fresh influx of migrants.

4th round of Türkiye-Greece confidence-building tour

Asked about a recent visit by Turkish Chief of General Staff Metin Gurak to Qatar, a ministry source said the visit was carried out as part of a day designated for distinguished observers in the "Predatory Hawk-5" military drill.

Another aim of the trip was to develop friendship, cooperation, and coordination between the armed forces of the two countries, the source said.

On the fourth round of a meeting on confidence-building measures between Türkiye and Greece, the source said the tals would be held at the Turkish National Defense Ministry in Ankara after a two-year break.

Military and civilian delegations will be attending the Confidence-Building Measures Meeting, the source added.

Sweden's NATO accession

On Sweden's NATO membership, sources said the matter was at the discretion of the Turkish parliament.

On a string of recent attacks on US bases in the region, they underlined that Ankara was closely monitoring "all issues related to defense and security" and is taking all necessary measures for the Türkiye's security.