Turkish soldier martyred in southeastern Turkey

By Halil Ibrahim Sincar

MARDIN, Turkey (AA) - A Turkish soldier was martyred in an anti-terror operation in the country's southeast on Monday, security sources said.

The ongoing operation in the countryside of Derik district of Mardin province neutralized three YPG/PKK terrorists, said the sources, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

Turkish authorities often use the word "neutralized" to imply the terrorists in question 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 European Union -- has been responsible for deaths of 40,000 people, including women, children and infants. The YPG is its Syrian offshoot.

* Writing by Fahri Aksut