Turkey: Wanted terrorist among neutralized in operation

By Sertac Bulur

ANKARA (AA) - One of three terrorists neutralized in an operation by Turkish security forces had been on the country's wanted list, the Interior Ministry announced on Monday.

Beyan Dara, codenamed Melsa, was among the three terrorists neutralized during internal security operations launched by the Provincial Gendarmerie Command in eastern Tunceli province.

She was listed in the orange category and sought with a bounty of 600,000 Turkish liras (roughly $108,000).

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 wanted list is divided into five color-coded categories, with red as the most wanted, followed by blue, green, orange and gray.

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 many women, children, and infants.

* Writing by Gozde Bayar