3 terrorists 'neutralized' in eastern Turkey: Interior minister

By Aykut Karadag

ANKARA (AA) - At least three terrorists were "neutralized" in an anti-terror operation in eastern Turkey, the country’s interior minister said on Friday.

Suleyman Soylu said on Twitter that the terrorists were targeted by local gendarmerie forces during Operation Eren Winter-6 in the Ovacik district of the Tunceli province.

One gendarmerie personnel, seriously wounded in the operation, succumbed to his injuries despite all efforts, said Soylu. The minister also offered condolences to his family and relatives.

This year, Turkey launched Operation Eren, named after Eren Bulbul, a 15-year-old killed by the terrorist group on Aug. 11, 2017.

The latest action is aimed at eliminating PKK terrorists who have taken shelter in the region.

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

In its more than 35-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 at least 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants.

* Writing by Gozde Bayar.