Turkish armed forces “neutralized” 366 terrorists, including senior operatives, in the country and abroad over the past 45 days, Turkish defense minister said on Wednesday.
Speaking at Veterans Day Ceremony at Bestepe People's Convention and Culture Center, Hulusi Akar said the world and the region had been going through a critical period and recalled that Turkey "has been facing various threats and dangers."
Pointing to the counter-terrorism operations in Turkey and abroad, Akar said: "Turkey has achieved a great success in these operations. The most important contribution in this success belongs to our beloved martyrs and veterans."
"A total of 366 terrorists have been neutralized including senior operatives in medium- and large-scale operations in Turkey and abroad over the past 45 days," Akar said.
Turkish authorities often use the word "neutralized" in their statements to imply the terrorists in question either surrendered or were killed or captured.
The minister also underlined that the production of the Turkish-made modern weapons and war materials has increased from 20 percent to 65 percent.
Akar said the efficient use of the national defense industry, and especially neutralizing the senior members of the terrorist group, has led to a decrease in recruitment of terrorists.
