UPDATE - 11 PKK terrorists 'neutralized' in eastern Turkey

UPDATES WITH OPERATION IN SOUTHEASTERN SIRNAK PROVINCE

By Sertac Bulur and Sinan Uslu

ANKARA (AA) - At least 11 PKK terrorists were neutralized during anti-terror operations in Turkey's eastern Tunceli and southeastern Sirnak provinces, according to the official statements on Thursday.

Seven PKK terrorists were neutralized during an anti-terror operation in the eastern Tunceli province, the Interior Ministry said on Thursday.

A senior member of the terrorist group, listed on its most-wanted “red list,” was also among the neutralized terrorists, it added.

PKK terrorist Medeni Sayilgan, code-named Panzer Kemal, was the so-called regional head of the eastern Erzurum province.

Turkish authorities often use the word "neutralized" in their statements to imply that the terrorists in question were either killed or captured.

The anti-terror raids, the ministry said, were carried out in the rural Pulumur district of the province as part of internal security operations.

Anti-terror operations continue in the region, the statement added.

Meanwhile, four terrorists were also neutralized in Turkey's southeastern Sirnak province, Turkish General Staff announced on its social media account.

An air-supported operation was launched at Cudi mountain in Sirnak on Wednesday, the statement added.

The PKK is listed as a terrorist organization in Turkey, the U.S., and the EU. In its over three-decade long terror campaign against Turkey, more than 40,000 people have been killed, including women and children.