Destruction of 21 Caves and Shelters in 8 Provinces
Operation Heroes: Turkish Security Forces Destroy Terrorist Hideouts
Turkish Minister of Internal Affairs, Ali Yerlikaya, recently announced the successful completion of “Operation Heroes,” which aimed to eliminate the caves and shelters used by separatist terrorist organizations for winter shelter in rural areas. The operation involved 18,500 gendarmes in eight provinces.
“We are systematically destroying the terrorists’ hideouts, and we will continue to do so,” stated Minister Yerlikaya on his social media account. He further revealed that the operation took place in Şırnak, Hakkari, Van, Bitlis, Bingöl, Tunceli, Erzurum, and Kars provinces, targeting various locations including Cudi Mountain, Silopi countryside, Kazan Valley, Yüksekova countryside, Başkale countryside, Bilice countryside, Tatvan countryside, Alaçık countryside, Şenkaya countryside, and Kağızman countryside. The operation involved the use of Atak helicopters alongside J-SİHA.
In total, 21 caves and shelters were destroyed during the operation. A significant quantity of weaponry and supplies were also seized, including one anti-aircraft gun, eight AK-47 infantry rifles, 26 RPG-7 rocket launcher ammunition, 28 RPG-7 rocket launcher propellant cartridges, two 3-kilogram TNT explosives, three M1 infantry rifles, four machine guns, three hand grenades, 3 handmade explosives, 9,838 ammunition rounds, 35 tubes, five radios, as well as a substantial amount of food, medical supplies, and organizational documents.
Minister Yerlikaya expressed his gratitude to the gendarmerie who executed the operation, stating, “May God bless them. We are committed to conducting operations 365 days a year, regardless of the season, and around the clock. Our relentless fight against terrorism will continue until the last terrorist is neutralized.”
The success of Operation Heroes showcases the Turkish government’s unwavering determination to combat terrorism and ensure the safety and security of its citizens.
