5 PKK terrorists 'neutralized' in eastern Turkey

By Dilara Kucukerdogan

ANKARA (AA) - Turkish security forces "neutralized" five PKK terrorists in the eastern province of Bitlis, the Interior Ministry said on Monday.

The counter-terrorism operation was conducted in the Tatvan district as part of domestic security operations, the ministry said in a statement.

Local gendarmerie forces carried out the air-backed operation.

Operations are ongoing in the region, it added.

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 deaths of nearly 40,000 people, including women and children.

* Writing by Gozde Bayar