26 PKK militants ‘neutralized’ over past week: Interior Ministry

ANKARA – Anadolu Agency

At least 26 militants of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) were “neutralized” in counterterrorism operations across Turkey over the past week, according to the Interior Ministry on Aug. 27.

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

In a statement, the ministry said the Turkish Armed Forces carried out 2,156 operations on Aug. 20-27.

The ministry said 12 of the militants were killed, nine captured, and five others surrendered to authorities.

Five senior operatives of the outlawed group were among the “neutralized” PKK militants, the statement added.

Additionally, 62 people were detained during operations for allegedly aiding and abetting the PKK.

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 U.S. and the EU.