UPDATE - 10 terrorists 'neutralized' in southeastern Turkey

UPDATES WITH NUMBER OF TERRORIST NEUTRALIZED

By Dilara Hamit and Zehra Nur Duz

ANKARA (AA) - Turkish security forces neutralized 10 terrorists in the southeastern Hakkari province, according to official statements on Tuesday.

Air-backed operations in Hakkari neutralized three PKK terrorists, the National Defense Ministry said on Twitter.

Turkish authorities often use the term "neutralized" in statements to imply the terrorists in question surrendered or were killed or captured.

Earlier, the Interior Ministry said seven PKK terrorists were neutralized in air-supported security operations launched by the provincial gendarmerie command in the Yuksekova district.

Anti-terror operations are ongoing in the region, it added.

Though the statement did not mention a specific terrorist group, Turkey has long been conducting operations against the PKK terrorist organization in the region.

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 40,000 people, including women, children and infants.