4 PKK terrorists 'neutralized' in eastern Turkey

By Muhammed Nuri Erdogan

VAN, Turkey (AA) – At least four PKK terrorists were "neutralized" during an operation in eastern Turkey, the Interior Ministry said on Wednesday.

The ministry said in a statement that Turkish gendarmerie forces carried an anti-terror operation against the PKK in the rural area of eastern Van province.

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

Also an operation in eastern Tunceli province seized a large amount of ammunition, including27 Kalashnikov rifles, over 8,000 bullets for them, and eight hand grenades.

The counter-terrorism operations are ongoing in the region.

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 deaths of some 40,000 people, including women, children and infants.

*Writing by Fahri Aksut