4 terrorists 'neutralized' in eastern Turkey

By Mehmet Tosun

ANKARA (AA) - Four terrorists were neutralized in an anti-terror operation in the eastern Turkish province of Van, the Interior Ministry said on Wednesday.

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

The air-backed operation was launched near the Mt. Tendurek area in the Caldiran district, the ministry said in a written statement.

The operation in the area is continuing, the statement added.

Anti-terror operations in the eastern provinces generally target PKK terrorists.

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 nearly 40,000 people.

* Writing by Nilay Kar Onum