Turkey–ISIL conflict

In a statement published on Aug. 10, the ministry highlighted that the PKK terrorists were in preparation for an attack.

"We will be responding to the terrorists strongly," the ministry said without giving any further details.

Iran's top diplomat has said Tehran understands Türkiye's security concerns stemming from northern Syria amid Ankara's vows over a new military incursion against the presence of the terrorist organizations.

Turkish police have detained three foreign ISIL suspects, including two sought by Interpol with red notice in the capital Ankara.

According to Demirören News Agency, police detected two ISIL suspects, identified only with the initials A.N. and C.V., in Ankara and caught both in an operation on June 19.

Following Ankara's announcement of an upcoming military incursion in northern Syria, the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army has deployed some 5,000 armed men in the region to act with the Turkish army to clear Tal Rifaat and Manbij provinces of PKK/YPG terrorists.

"We can take Tal Rifaat in 24 hours with Turkish soldiers," SNA commanders said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Turkish army has started hitting some PKK/YPG targets in northern Syria's Tal Rifaat and Manbij districts with cannon fire as the preparations for an upcoming crossover military operation, aimed to be conducted for safe return of some 500,000 Syrians, are ongoing.

Turkey will address its security concerns in northern Syria with new operations against the YPG group, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said on June 5.

"We will address security concerns with new operations," the president said, addressing his ruling Justice and Development Party's 30th Consultation and Assessment meeting.

Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu said if Sweden and Finland want to be NATO members, they should understand the security concerns of an ally and act in a way to eliminate those concerns.

NATO allies should encourage Finland and Sweden to take concrete steps regarding Turkey's concerns about the "support given to terror groups," Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu said on May 27.

The minister reminded that Turkey's opposition to Finland and Sweden's NATO bid is due to their "support to terrorist organizations."

Four Turkish soldiers have been killed and three wounded in clashes with PKK terrorists in the Operation Claw-Lock zone, the Turkish defense minister has said.

Naming the soldiers "brothers in arms," the Defense Ministry highlighted that four were "martyred" and three were "hospitalized" on May 24.

Turkish authorities have detained some 46 people, including former local officials from People's Democratic Party (HDP), who are suspected of having links to PKK terrorist group, in part of the Kobani investigation, local news agencies reported yesterday.

The detained are among 91 suspects sought by a chief prosecutor for allegedly "providing financial resources on behalf" of PKK.