UPDATE - 8 terrorists neutralized in southeastern Turkey

UPDATES WITH DEATH TOLL; CHANGES HEADLINE, LEDE

By Merve Yildizalp and Muhammed Boztepe

ANKARA (AA) - A total of eight terrorists were "neutralized" in the southeastern Sirnak province, Turkish Interior Ministry said in a statement on Sunday.

Authorities often use the word "neutralized" in statements to imply terrorists in question surrendered or were killed or captured.

The statement said gendarmerie forces conducted an operation in Idil district.

It did not mention a specific terror group, however, the area has seen many terror acts of the PKK in the past.

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 nearly 40,000 people, including many women and children.

* Writing by Fatih Hafiz Mehmet