Wanted PKK terrorist among 'neutralized' in Turkey

By Orhan Onur Gemici

ANKARA (AA) – Turkish security forces neutralized a wanted PKK/KCK terrorist in eastern Turkey, the Interior Ministry said on Saturday.

Yahya Atmaca, codenamed Savas Firat, was among three terrorists neutralized in the Tunceli province, the ministry said.

The terrorist, who was neutralized in an operation in the Ovacik district, was on the Interior Ministry’s wanted list and carried a bounty of 1 million Turkish liras (over $146,000).

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 its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US, and EU -- has been responsible for the deaths of nearly 40,000 people, including women, children and infants.

* Writing by Erdogan Cagatay Zontur