Update - Turkey: 23 Terrorists 'Neutralized' Over Past Two Weeks

Turkish military "neutralized" at least 23 terrorists across the country over the past two weeks during its operations against the PKK/KCK terror group, the country's defense ministry said in a statement on Saturday.



Turkish authorities often use the word "neutralized" in their statements to imply that the terrorists in question either surrendered or were killed or captured.



The statement said one Turkish soldier was martyred and four were wounded during the same period between Dec. 28- Jan. 11.



During the operations, 10 infantry rifles, two rifles, four anti-tank missiles were seized and 30 recovered improvised explosives were defused, the statement said.



It added that seven caves and depots used by the terrorists were also destroyed.



The statement said the Turkish and U.S. militaries have conducted a total of eight joint patrols in Syria's northwestern Manbij until now.



"The activities will continue until all terror group members leave the region. The developments in the area are closely followed, " it added.



The Manbij deal between Turkey and the U.S. focuses on the withdrawal of YPG/PKK terrorists from the city to stabilize the region, which is in the northeast of northern Syria's Aleppo province.



In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU -- has been responsible for the death of some 40,000 people, including many women and children. The PYD/YPG is its Syrian branch. -