5 terrorists 'neutralized' in southeastern Turkey

By Seda Sevencan

ISTANBUL (AA) – Five terrorists were "neutralized" in an operation in southeastern Turkey, the country’s interior minister said on Thursday.

"Five more terrorists were neutralized during Operation Eren-2 in rural areas of Diyarbakir's Lice [district]," Suleyman Soylu said on Twitter.

Though the terrorists' affiliation was not specified, the PKK terror group has been active in eastern and southeastern Turkey.

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

Operation Eren, named after Eren Bulbul, a 15-year-old martyred by the terrorist PKK on Aug. 11, 2017, began in January with the aim of completely eliminating terrorism in the country.

In its more than 35-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US, and the EU – has been responsible for the deaths of over 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants.​​​​​