ANKARA, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said here Thursday that security risks targeting the country have been remarkably reduced due to measures taken within and beyond the borders.
"There has been a serious decrease in security risks directed at our country, both within and beyond our borders," Erdogan said during an iftar event.
"Today, Türkiye takes all necessary steps not only within its borders but also beyond its borders for its security. Wherever there is a threat or danger, we neutralize it at its source without seeking permission from anyone," he added.
In late 2025, Erdogan said that the country was making progress toward the elimination of terrorism within its borders, referring to the disarmament of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and its withdrawal from Türkiye's territory.
In May 2025, the PKK announced its decision to disarm and disband following a call from its jailed leader Abdullah Ocalan to end the armed struggle. The first group of PKK fighters laid down and burned their arms in July, marking the start of the disarmament process. In late October, the PKK announced it was withdrawing fighters from Türkiye to Iraq.
The PKK, which has waged an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984, is designated as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the United States, and the European Union. ■
