2 terrorists 'neutralized' in eastern Turkey

By Sefa Sahin

ANKARA (AA) - Turkish security forces “neutralized” two terrorists in the eastern province of Tunceli, the Interior Ministry said on Friday.

In a statement, the ministry said that Turkish Gendarmerie Special Forces carried out an air-backed anti-terror operation in rural areas of Tunceli’s Ovacik district.

Security forces also seized one M-16 rifle and one Kalashnikov.

The operation is still ongoing, the statement added.

Turkish authorities often use the word "neutralize" to imply the terrorists in question surrendered or were killed or captured.

No affiliation was given for the terrorists, but Turkey’s southeast has long seen terrorist PKK activity.

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK – listed as a terrorist group by Turkey, the US and EU – has been responsible for the deaths of nearly 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants.