Senior PKK militant killed in op in Turkey’s southeast

ADIYAMAN - Anadolu Agency

A senior PKK militant was killed on Oct. 17 in an operation carried out by security forces in southeastern Turkey.

Wanted by Turkish authorities in the “grey category,” Yusuf Tunç was a so-called regional head of the illegal organization and was responsible for two attacks in Adıyaman province, according to a written statement by the governor’s office.

Provincial gendarmerie teams clashed with Tunç and three other militants, with one being captured and the other two escaping.

The governor’s office said operations were ongoing to capture the remaining militants.

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

On a separate note, at least three PKK militants were “neutralized” in an air operation carried out in northern Iraq on Oct. 18, according to the Turkish military.

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

The militants, who were preparing attacks on Turkish bases, were “neutralized” in Metina region, the Turkish General Staff said on Twitter.

The PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey as well as the U.S. and the European Union.