26 PKK militants ‘neutralized’ in Turkey’s Şırnak

ANKARA

A total of 26 outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) militants were “neutralized” during operations against targets in the southeastern province of Şırnak, the Turkish military announced on April 20.      

According to the latest statement, the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) announced that eight more PKK militants were “neutralized” in operations in the Nalaguva Tepe region.

Authorities use the word “neutralized” in their statements to imply the militants in question were either killed, wounded or captured.      

In an earlier statement, the military said a 10-minute air operation was launched at 7:50 p.m. after an intelligence of an activity was received. Some 13 militants were killed on April 19 in the suburb of Şırnak’s Bestler-Dereler region. Five more militants had also been neutralized on April 20, bringing the total number to 18 during the operation conducted at 5:30 a.m. on April 20, according to the statement.

In addition, two weapon emplacements and a cave were also destroyed, it said. 

According to the statement, one of the neutralized militants was an Iranian-origin codenamed SORO, who was allegedly responsible for the Bestler-Dereler region.

A land operation against the militants in the region has been ongoing. 

Meanwhile, four PKK militants surrendered to Turkish forces in Şırnak, the Turkish General Staff said on April 19.  

According to a statement, the surrender took place in the Silopi district as the suspects were entering Turkey from northern Iraq, where the PKK has a number of bases.  

Security forces also destroyed an improvised explosive device in a controlled explosion in Çukurca, a district in neighboring Hakkari province, the statement added, without giving a specific date for either incident.