227 PKK militants ‘neutralized’ in southeastern Turkey in 2018

DİYARBAKIR

At least 227 PKK militants have been “neutralized” in southeastern Turkey since the beginning of 2018, according to data compiled by state-run Anadolu Agency.

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

Among the militants neutralized in Diyarbakır, Şırnak, Mardin, Batman, Siirt and Bingöl are seven militants who were on the Interior Ministry’s most wanted list.

The wanted list is divided into five color-coded categories, with red as the most wanted, followed by blue, green, orange and gray.

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 United States and the European Union.