Turkey: 44 terrorists 'neutralized' over past week

By Sertac Bulur

ANKARA (AA) - At least 44 PKK terrorists have been "neutralized" as part of anti-terror operations across Turkey over the past week, the country’s Interior Ministry said on Monday.

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 a statement, the Interior Ministry said the Turkish Armed Forces carried out 2,451 ground and air operations from July 30-August 6.

The ministry said 25 of the terrorists were killed, 10 captured, and 9 others surrendered to authorities.

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, including women and children.