By Sertac Bulur
ANKARA (AA) - Turkish security forces “neutralized” at least three terrorists in the country’s eastern Van province, the Interior Ministry said on Friday.
The terrorists were neutralized in a clash with security forces during search activities carried out in rural areas of Catak district after an air-backed operation as part of the ongoing Yildirim-10 Operation.
The operation in the region is ongoing, the ministry said.
Turkish authorities often use the term "neutralized" to imply the terrorists in question surrendered or were killed or captured.
Operation Yildirim-1 Cudi, launched in the southeastern province of Sirnak on July 14, and its associated operations are meant to neutralize terrorists believed to be hiding out in eastern and southeastern Turkey.
At least 46 terrorists have been neutralized and 26 collaborators captured, 90 caves, shelters, and storages destroyed, and a large number of arms, ammunition and other supplies have been seized in Yildirim operations to date, the ministry said.
In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US and European Union – has been responsible for the deaths of 40,000 people, including women, children and infants.
*Writing by Seda Sevencan