Turkey makes PKK terrorists suffer in eastern Black Sea

By Atakan Citlak

GIRESUN, Turkey (AA) - At least 19 PKK terrorists have been neutralized in rural areas of Turkey’s eastern Black Sea region over the past three years.

According to information compiled by Anadolu Agency, security forces carried out successful operations against the terrorists, who tried to infiltrate into the region and take positions in mountains and forests.

With the support of local people, air-backed operations neutralized 19 terrorists, including so-called regional representatives who were in the wanted terrorists list of Turkey’s Interior Ministry.

In Giresun province, five individuals were caught before they could join the terrorists in the mountains, while three others surrendered to security forces.

One terrorist was caught with injuries, while four others were neutralized in separate operations in the province.

In Ordu province, seven terrorists were also killed in two separate operations in 2016.

Three others were also neutralized in Tunceli and Erzincan provinces.

In 2018, two terrorists were captured dead in an operation in Trabzon province, while two others were caught in Gumushane province.

Turkish authorities often use the word "neutralize" in their statements to imply that the terrorists in question 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 death of some 40,000 people, including women and children.

* Writing by Sena Guler