UPDATE - Over 20 terrorists neutralized in Turkey

UPDATES WITH STATEMENT OF INTERIOR MINISTRY

By Orhan Onur Gemici and Haydar Toprakci

ANKARA/TUNCELI, Turkey (AA) - Turkish security forces "neutralized" 23 terrorists in anti-terror operations in the last 24 hours, the country’s Interior Ministry announced on Tuesday.

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

According to the statement issued by the Interior Ministry, 11 terrorists were neutralized in southern Hatay province's Amanos Mountains, seven in eastern Tunceli province and three more in the southeastern Mardin province.

Also, two more terrorists were neutralized in the Sason district of southeastern Batman province.

According to Tunceli governor's office, gendarmerie security units began air-supported operations against the PKK terrorists in Pulumur district on Tuesday.

The Tunceli-Pulumur-Erzincan road was closed for traffic due to security reasons.

The anti-terror operations in the region continue with additional units sent to the area.

The PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU -- resumed its armed campaign against Turkey in July 2015.