Turkey ‘neutralized’ 210 PKK militants in October

ERZURUM

A total of 210 illegal PKK militants have been “neutralized” as part of anti-terror operations across Turkey and abroad in October, according to information compiled by state-run Anadolu Agency. 

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

The agency also said 10 security officers and one civilian were killed, while five security officers and three civilians were injured during PKK attacks between Oct. 1 and Oct. 31.

A total of 687 suspects were detained and 125 of them were remanded in custody in October.

124 PKK militants ‘neutralized’ in one week

As for the past week, at least 124 PKK militants were “neutralized” in counter-terrorism operations on Turkish soil and northern Iraq over the past week, the Turkish army said on Nov. 2.

In a weekly statement, the Turkish General Staff said the army conducted anti-terror operations in Turkey’s eastern and southeastern provinces of Şırnak, Siirt, Diyarbakir, Mardin, Hakkari and Muş provinces, as well as in the regions of northern Iraq from Oct. 26 to Nov. 1.

A total of 50 shelters, depots and weapon pits of the illegal organization were destroyed during operations, while security forces also seized weapons, explosives and ammunition, the statement added.

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