4 PKK terrorists 'neutralized' in eastern Turkey

By Aykut Karadag

ANKARA (AA) - Turkish security forces "neutralized" four PKK terrorists in the eastern province of Bitlis on Friday, the Interior Ministry said.

The air-backed counter-terrorism operation was carried out by the gendarmerie in the Tatvan district of Bitlis, a ministry statement said.

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 U.S. and the EU -- has been responsible for the deaths of nearly 40,000 people, including women and children.

* Writing by Burak Bir