Turkish Interior Minister announces 124,325 Syrians voluntarily returned home

Speaking at the AK Party Seljuk 8th Ordinary District Congress in Konya, Yerlikaya emphasized the government's commitment to public order and security, detailing the return process as "voluntary, safe, honorable, and regular."

"Until 9 December this year, 124 thousand 325 Syrian brothers and sisters returned to their homeland voluntarily, safely, honorably, and regularly," Yerlikaya stated. He highlighted that the monthly average for such returns this year has been around 11,000, with an increase following the liberation of Syria.

The Interior Minister underscored that human rights and freedoms are central to Türkiye's migration management policies. He also spoke about the country's relentless efforts against internal security threats, including public order crimes, terrorist organizations, organized crime, drug trafficking, and cyber attacks. "We will continue our efforts with all our strength until the last terrorist is neutralised, the last organised crime network is dismantled, and the last drug dealer is brought to justice," he affirmed.

Yerlikaya detailed the success of operations against terrorism, particularly against the separatist terrorist organization, noting that 779 terrorists were neutralized in the first 11 months of this year. He also mentioned the ongoing fight against FETÖ (Fethullahist Terrorist Organization), stating, "After the death of the FETÖ ringleader, who was the main responsible for the treacherous coup attempt on 15 July, we did not allow any relaxation in our fight against this treacherous terrorist organization."

He further reported that 1,894 suspects were arrested in operations targeting FETÖ, DAESH, and other terrorist groups in the same period, with a total of 3,552 arrests during this cabinet period. "Türkiye is a state of law," Yerlikaya declared, warning that anyone who steps beyond legal bounds or supports terrorism, even from positions like that of a mayor, would face consequences. "Because terrorism has no politics. Terrorism can only and only be fought. We are doing that and we will continue to do so," he concluded. (ILKHA)