5 PKK terrorists neutralized in southeast Turkey

By Fecri Barlik

SIIRT, Turkey (AA) - At least five PKK terrorists were "neutralized" in Turkey's southeastern Siirt province, security source said on Thursday.

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

Turkish gendarmerie destroyed a shelter in the southeastern Siirt province and seized illegal ammunition and weapons in an air-supported counter-terrorism operation this week, said the source on condition of anonymity due to the restrictions on speaking to the media.

Meanwhile, police arrested 12 suspects in the Aegean province of Izmir for suspected terror links in an operation against the YPG/PYD/PKK terrorist organization.

Police also seized organizational documents and digital information in the operation.

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.