11 PKK Terrorists Neutralized in Batman, Senior Leaders Among Those Targeted
In a significant counter-terrorism operation, Turkey’s Minister of Interior, Ali Yerlikaya, announced that 11 PKK terrorists, including senior leaders, were neutralized in the “Bozdogan-45” operation in Batman. Among them were Sultan Dağ and Zeynep Nibat, who were involved in attacks that killed and injured several security personnel.
The “Bozdogan-45” operation was coordinated by the Gendarmerie General Command’s Intelligence Presidency and the Anti-Terrorism Department, under the command of the Gendarmerie Public Order Corps. Detailed intelligence work by the Batman Provincial Gendarmerie Command led to the execution of the operation in the rural area of Gercüş.
Minister Yerlikaya provided further details, noting that air support from the Air Force Command, along with ATAK attack helicopters and J-SIHA drones, played a critical role. He emphasized that forces from the Gendarmerie Special Operations, Gendarmerie Commando units, and security guards established direct contact with the terrorists, resulting in their neutralization.
The neutralized terrorists, identified as Sultan Dağ (aka Beritan Amara) and Zeynep Nibat (aka Zeynep Cudi), were found to have participated in nine terror attacks. These attacks led to the martyrdom of six security personnel and injured 19 others. Specific incidents included IED attacks and armed assaults in Şırnak, Mardin, and Batman between 2016 and 2020.
Minister Yerlikaya recognized the bravery of the forces involved in the operation, stating, “Our heroic gendarme commandos neutralized 11 terrorists, two of whom were in the red category, during the holiday period. We will not rest until the last terrorist is neutralized. The prayers of our nation are with you.”