Security forces neutralize 22 PKK terrorists in SE Turkey

At least 22 PKK terrorists were "neutralized" during counterterrorism operations in southeastern Turkey, the Interior Ministry and the army said on Friday.

In a statement, the Interior Ministry said 15 PKK terrorists were neutralized across three provinces in anti-terror operations in the last 24 hours.

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

The counterterrorism operations were conducted in the provinces of Mardin, Hakkari and Şırnak.

“Two terrorists in Mardin, five terrorists in Hakkari (Kırıkdağ) and eight terrorists in Şırnak – a total of 15 terrorists – have been neutralized in the last 24 hours within the scope of counterterrorism operations. The operation in Mardin is ongoing,” the statement released by the Interior Ministry said.

Separately, in a message posted on its official Twitter account, the Turkish General Staff said seven PKK terrorists had been neutralized in a rural area of the Hakkari province.

Fighter jets conducted airstrikes on July 5-6 in a rural area of Hakkari.

The PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S., and the EU. In its terror campaign against Turkey, which has lasted for more than three decades, over 40,000 people have been killed, including many women and children.