Two PKK terrorists 'neutralized' in SE Turkey

By Sarp Ozer

HAKKARI, Turkey (AA) – Two PKK terrorists were “neutralized” by artillery and mortar fire on Thursday in southeastern Turkey's Hakkari province, the military said.

According to a briefing by the Turkish General Staff, the military carried out artillery and mortar strikes in the Kiziltepe region of rural Derecik town.

The military said two terrorists were neutralized in the attack, which was confirmed in intercepted PKK radio communications.

Since Dec. 4, a total of 540 terrorists have been neutralized in operations conducted in Hakkari province.

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

The PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and EU -- resumed its decades-old armed campaign in July last year.

Since then, more than 300 civilians and nearly 800 security personnel have been martyred. Around 8,000 PKK terrorists have been killed or apprehended.