Turkish forces 'neutralize' 16 PKK terrorists

By Ozgur Ayaydin

DIYARBAKIR, Turkey (AA) - Turkish forces killed at least 14 PKK terrorists in southeastern Diyarbakir province, Governor’s Office said in a statement on Saturday.

According to the statement, two more terrorists were captured alive, while two of the terrorists that were "neutralized" in the counter-terrorism operation included senior members of the organization.

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

It said the operation launched on Nov. 16 in Kulp district of the province is still in progress.

The arms and ammunition that were seized included 15 Kalashnikov rifles with 39 magazines, two M-16 guns with four magazines, 18 hand grenades, 100 grams (3.5 ounces) of plastic explosives and 10 kilograms of explosives.

The PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and EU -- resumed its armed campaign against Turkey in July 2015. Since then, it has been responsible for the deaths of more than 1,200 Turkish security personnel and civilians.