UPDATE - 3 terrorists 'neutralized' in southeastern Turkey

UPDATES NUMBER OF NEUTRALIZED TERRORISTS; REVISES HEADLINE, DECK

By Ali Murat Alhas

ANKARA (AA) - At least three terrorists were neutralized in an anti-terror operation in southeastern Turkey, according to the country's Interior Ministry on Friday.

Turkish security forces "neutralized" a terrorist in eastern Hakkari province as part of Eren-14 operations, the Interior Ministry announced.

In a statement, it said the action against the "separatist terrorist" was taken in Hakkari countryside with the support of air force and drones.

In a separate statement, the ministry said two more terrorists were neutralized by local gendarmerie forces near Mt. Gabar in the southeastern Sirnak province during Operation Eren-13.

Counter-terrorism operations in the region are still underway, the ministry added.

While the terror group was not specified, the PKK is known to be active in the region.

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 killed by the terrorist PKK on Aug. 11, 2017, began in January to eliminate 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 EU -- has been responsible for the deaths of at least 40,000 people, including women, children and infants.