UPDATE - 4 PKK terrorists surrender in eastern Turkey

UPDATES WITH ANTI-TERROR OPERATION IN SOUTHEASTERN TURKEY

By Muhammed Ali Toruntay

ANKARA (AA) - At least four PKK terrorists surrendered to security forces in the southeastern Turkish province of Sirnak, the military said on Monday.

The terrorists -- who fled PKK camps in northern Iraq -- turned themselves in to security forces in Silopi district, said the statement issued by Turkish General Staff.

Turkish forces also seized five hand-made explosives and rounds of cartridges in eastern Mus province, according to the military.

Separately, at least 17 PKK/YPG terrorists have been “neutralized” in northern Syria, said the Turkish security sources, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on talking to the media.

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

The terrorists in Syria's Ras al-Ayn reportedly opened harassing fire on Turkish troops in southeastern Sanliurfa province's Ceylanpinar district, the sources added.

The PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU -- resumed its armed campaign against Turkey in July 2015.

Since then, it has been responsible for the deaths of more than 1,200 Turkish security personnel and civilians, including a number of women and children.