UPDATE 2 - Turkish security forces 'neutralize' 9 terrorists

UPDATES WITH MORE TERRORISTS NEUTRALIZED

By Sertac Bulur and Abdullah Celik

ANKARA (AA) - At least nine terrorists have been “neutralized” during an operation in eastern Turkey, according to official statements on Monday.

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

In a statement, the Interior Ministry said the provincial gendarmerie unit had launched an anti-terror operation in rural Ovacik district and “neutralized” six terrorists.

One of the terrorists, Ilker Tezer, known as the so-called representative of the far-left terror group in Ovacik, was also among those “neutralized.” He was mentioned in the orange category of the Interior Ministry’s list of wanted terrorist.

Deniz Tali, codenamed “Siyar-Rustem”, who was on a list of Turkey's most wanted terrorists, was also killed during an operation in southern Turkey, the ministry said in a statement.

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

Another PKK fugitive who had been sentenced to over three years in prison, was arrested in Tokat, in northern Turkey, it announced.

In the eastern province of Tunceli, one PKK terrorist was found dead, provincial governor said in a statement.

Separately, at least 3 PKK terrorists, including 2 women, were neutralized on Monday in Dallitepe village of eastern Bingol province, a statement by the local governor’s office said.

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.