2 terrorists 'neutralized' in eastern Turkey

By Haydar Toprakci

TUNCELI, Turkey (AA) - At least two terrorists who were plotting terror attack were "neutralized" in Turkey's eastern Tunceli province, the local governor’s office said on Thursday.

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

The statement by the Tunceli governor’s office did not specify the terror groups involved but Turkey is embroiled in a long-running struggle against the PKK terror group in the area.

According to the statement, the provincial gendarmerie forces carried out a counter-terrorism operation in the rural areas of Mazgirt district.

Operations in the region are ongoing, it added.

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.