More than 45 terrorists killed in Turkey in 1 week

By Sarp Ozer

ANKARA (AA) - More than 45 terrorists were killed in one week during counter-terrorism operations across Turkey, according to the Interior Ministry.

Security forces backed by police and gendarmerie special forces launched over 1,100 operations across the nation killing 47 terrorists between July 3 and July 10, the ministry said in a written statement.

Seven terrorists were also captured while 15 others surrendered; 555 suspects accused of aiding and abetting the terrorist organization were also arrested, it said.

Meanwhile, a PKK terrorist mentioned in the ministry’s terrorist list under grey category surrendered to security forces in southeastern Siirt province on Sunday, according to Turkish Armed Forces.

The ministry’s list of "wanted terrorists” is divided into five color-coded categories: red, blue, green, orange and grey.

The red category includes top PKK terrorists Cemil Bayik, Murat Karayilan, and Duran Kalkan.

The PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU -- resumed its armed campaign against Turkey in July 2015.

Since then, it has been responsible for the deaths of some 1,200 Turkish security personnel and civilians, including a number of women and children.