UPDATE - Security forces 'neutralize' 5 PKK terrorists in Turkey

UPDATES WITH NUMBER OF TERRORISTS NEUTRALIZED; REVISES HEADLINE, LEDE; CHANGES SOURCE; EDITS THROUGHOUT

By Selma Kasap

ANKARA (AA) - Turkish security forces neutralized five PKK terrorists in an operation in the southeastern Diyarbakir province, the Interior Ministry said on Thursday.

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

The gendarmerie launched a counter-terrorism operation against the PKK in the rural area of Lice district, which is still underway.

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 deaths of nearly 40,000 people, including many women and children.

*Writing by Burak Bir