2 PKK militants ‘neutralized’ in Turkey’s Van

VAN – Anadolu Agency

At least two outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) were “neutralized” in eastern Turkey, an official statement said on Aug. 23.

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

According to a statement by the governor’s office, gendarmerie forces neutralized two armed PKK militants, including a woman, during operations in Gürpınar district in the eastern Van province.

The operations were launched on Aug. 22-23 by gendarme forces against the militants, who were plotting an attack in Gürpınar, the statement said.

Security forces also seized two Kalashnikov assault rifles and four hand grenades.

Operations against PKK militants have been carried out regularly since July 2015, when a peace process between Ankara and the PKK broke down. 

The PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU.