13 PKK terrorists 'neutralized' in SE Turkey, N Iraq

By Fecri Barlik

SIIRT, Turkey (AA) - At least 13 PKK terrorists were "neutralized" in two separate anti-terror operations in southeast Turkey and northern Iraq, security sources said on Wednesday.

The sources, who wished to remain unnamed due to security reasons, said the gendarmerie forces neutralized three PKK terrorists in the outskirts of Merkez Meydandere village after spotting them through a drone.

In another operation in northern Iraq's Zap region, Turkish Armed Forces launched air operations and neutralized 10 terrorists, according to the military.

Turkish General Staff said in a statement that the terrorists were planning to attack Turkish military bases.

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

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 women and children.