25 militants ‘neutralized’ over past week

ANKARA – Anadolu Agency

At least 25 PKK militants were “neutralized” in counter-terrorism operations across Turkey over the past week, the country’s Interior Ministry said on Oct. 15.

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

The ministry said in a statement that a total of 2,912 anti-terror operations were conducted between Oct. 8 and Oct. 15.

A total of 14 militants were killed, five were captured, while another six terrorists surrendered to Turkish security forces, the statement said.

In eight provinces, 35 shelters of the illegal organization were destroyed, while security forces seized 22 hand grenades, 20 improvised explosives and mines, 653 kilograms of explosive material, 17 long-barreled weapons and 1,881 rounds of ammunition.

Additionally, a total of 300 were detained for aiding and abetting the group, the statement added.

The PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States and the European Union.