Defence Ministry: Türkiye destroys over 500 kilometres of terrorist tunnels in Syria VIDEO/PHOTO

The Turkish Armed Forces have destroyed more than 517 kilometers of terrorist tunnels in northern Syria as part of ongoing counterterrorism operations, the country's National Defence Ministry announced on July 31. 

The operation targeted militant hideouts in the Tel Rifaat (212 kilometres) and Manbij (305 kilometres) regions, which Ankara regards as critical for national and border security, Caliber.Az reports per the Defence Ministry’s post on X. 

Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk, the Ministry’s spokesperson, highlighted these figures during a weekly briefing, emphasising Türkiye’s continued efforts to neutralise threats from the PKK and affiliated groups operating near its southern border.

According to his statement, in the past week alone, four PKK militants surrendered in northern Iraq, while 298 individuals attempting to cross Türkiye’s borders illegally were detained, including five members of terrorist organisations. Since the start of 2025, Turkish authorities have apprehended over 4,250 individuals attempting illegal crossings, while 44,290 were prevented from entering.

Millî Savunma Bakanlığının faaliyetleri başta olmak üzere gündemdeki konulara ilişkin olarak Haftalık Basın Bilgilendirme Toplantısı gerçekleştirildi.

Basın ve Halkla İlişkiler Müşaviri ve Bakanlık Sözcüsü Tuğamiral Zeki Aktürk tarafından icra edilen toplantıda şu bilgiler… pic.twitter.com/mIcBXBTAGx

— T.C. Millî Savunma Bakanlığı (@tcsavunma) July 31, 2025

Additionally, more than 30 kilograms of narcotics were seized in operations across border regions.

Moreover, he noted that Türkiye reaffirmed its military commitments abroad, continuing support for partner nations including Cyprus, Azerbaijan, Libya, Kosovo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Qatar. Turkish officials marked Northern Cyprus’ Social Resistance Day and Armed Forces Day by reiterating Ankara’s backing for a two-state solution on the island.

Rear Admiral Aktürk concluded by reaffirming that the Turkish military remains resolute in countering threats at home and abroad and is committed to strengthening its role in regional and global stability.

By Sabina Mammadli