Operation GÜRZ-17: Turkish forces eliminate terrorists in ten provinces

In a significant security operation dubbed GÜRZ-17, Turkish authorities targeted the PKK in ten provinces across the country.

The operation focused on dismantling a range of weapons, ammunition, and explosives hidden by PKK terrorists in caves and secret locations, Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya posted on his X account, Caliber.Az reports. 

1️⃣0️⃣ ilde Bölücü Terör Örgütü (BTÖ) mensubu teröristlerin kırsalda eylem yapmak amacıyla mağara ve sığınaklara sakladıkları çeşitli silah, mühimmat ve patlayıcıların yok edilmesine yönelik düzenlenen “GÜRZ-17” operasyonlarında 7️⃣1️⃣ mağara, sığınak ve barınma alanı imha edildi❗️… pic.twitter.com/ynWcq7lSL4

— Ali Yerlikaya (@AliYerlikaya) September 27, 2024

The operation utilized advanced drone technology from the gendarmerie and ATAK helicopters, backed by 234 units from the Gendarmerie's Special Operations teams (JÖH) and commandos, involving 3,172 personnel.

During the operation, Turkish forces successfully destroyed 71 terrorist hideouts and seized a substantial amount of weapons, ammunition, and explosive devices. This coordinated effort underscores Türkiye's ongoing commitment to combating terrorism within its borders.

Notably, since 2016, Ankara has launched a trio of successful anti-terror operations across its border in northern Syria to prevent the formation of a terror corridor and enable the peaceful settlement of residents: Euphrates Shield (2016), Olive Branch (2018), and Peace Spring (2019).

In its more than 35-year terror campaign against Türkiye, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the US, and the EU – has been responsible for the deaths of tens of thousands of people, including women, children, and infants.

By Aghakazim Guliyev