Turkish forces neutralize 27 PKK terrorists

Turkish security forces neutralized 27 PKK terrorists in nationwide counter-terror operations last week, the Interior Ministry said Monday.

In 1,176 operations, 17 terrorists were killed and six were apprehended, while four surrendered, the statement said.

Security forces detained 63 suspects for links to Daesh, 616 for links to Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), and 16 for links to leftist organizations.

Also, more than 300 suspects were detained for abetting terrorism and 12 shelters used by terrorists were destroyed.

The forces seized 130 kilograms (286 pounds) of explosive material, 24 hand grenades and other weapons.

In an anti-drug operation 3,066 suspects were detained. A large amount of drugs, including heroin, hash and methamphetamine, was confiscated from them.

More than 1,200 people, including security personnel and civilians, have lost their lives since the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S., and EU -- resumed its decades-old armed campaign in July 2015.

At least 319 people have lost their lives in Daesh terror attacks in Turkey, where the terror organization has targeted civilians in suicide bomb, rocket and gun attacks.

According to the Turkish government, FETO and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016, which left 250 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.