SEAToday.com, Ankara - Turkey's Ministry of National Defense said Wednesday (10/23) that Turkish forces successfully destroyed 32 terrorist targets in air operations in northern Iraq and Syria, and a large number of terrorists have been “ neutered.”

The ministry said in a statement that the operations were carried out in accordance with the legitimate right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter, with the aim of “ neutering” the PKK/KCK and other terrorist elements as well as to eliminate terror attacks against public and security forces and ensure border security.

The statement said 32 terrorist targets were destroyed and the air operations will continue.

“The Turkish Armed Forces, which grew out of our glorious nation, will continue the fight against terrorism with determination and firmness for the survival and security of our state and nation until not a single terrorist remains, as in the past.

“During this operation, all necessary steps have been taken to ensure that innocent civilians, friendly elements, historical and cultural assets and the environment are not harmed,” he added.

This comes after an explosion and gunfire were heard at a Turkish Aerospace Industries facility in the capital Ankara on Wednesday (10/23).

Two terrorists who attacked the facility were “ neutered,” while five others were killed and 22 wounded, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said.

Turkish authorities use the term “ neutered” to imply the terrorists surrendered or were killed or captured.