Operations dismantle 709 PKK/YPG terrorist hideouts, seizing over 2 tons of explosives
Personnel of the Special Forces Command, the most elite unit of the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF), take part in paramedic level training to overcome challenging situations during operations in Ankara, Turkiye on November 15, 2024. (AA Photo)
Türkiye has intensified its counterterrorism efforts with “Gurz” operations in 2024, targeting the PKK/YPG terrorist organization’s rural winter structures and explosive caches.
Over 709 caves, shelters and depots have been destroyed, according to the Ministry of Interior Ali Yerlikaya.
Hundreds of terrorist hideouts destroyed
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced that the Gurz operations, conducted with the coordination of the Gendarmerie General Command’s Counterterrorism and Intelligence Departments, have successfully dismantled key PKK/YPG terrorist hideouts.
Operations were successfully conducted by Gendarmerie Special Operations units, Commando units, and advanced aerial assets such as drones and ATAK helicopters.
Yerlikaya stated, “We are determined to continue dismantling terrorist hideouts until the last terrorist is eliminated.”
Large cache of explosives and weapons seized
In addition to the destruction of shelters, significant quantities of explosives and weapons were confiscated, including:
- Explosives: 2,100 kilograms (4629.7 pounds) of chemical explosives, 617 kilograms of plastic explosives, and 97 kilograms of TNT.
- Weapons, ammunition: 194 landmines and suicide vests, 99,936 various-caliber rounds, 13,657 heavy weapon munitions (grenade launcher, mortar and anti-aircraft ammunition), 2,252 hand grenades, and 63 rocket launchers and guided missiles.
Yerlikaya noted these materials were intended for bomb attacks and other terror activities. “The shelters prepared by the terrorist organization for logistical purposes and to carry out actions are being identified and destroyed one by one,” he added.
“We are destroying the terrorist hideouts one by one, and we will continue to do so. We have only one goal, and that is to fight with determination without stopping or hesitating until the last terrorist is eliminated,” Yerlikaya concluded.
