20 PKK terrorists 'neutralized' in Turkey last week

Security forces "neutralized" 20 PKK terrorists during anti-terrorist operations in southeastern Turkey's Bitlis, Mardin and Diyarbakır provinces, and northern Iraq between Jan. 12 and 18., according to the military Saturday.

In a statement, the Turkish General Staff said a Turkish soldier was also martyred in an operation against PKK terrorists.

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

Fifty-one shelters and caves used by PKK terrorists, eight improvised explosive devices and mines were destroyed in controlled detonations in the southeastern provinces Diyarbakır, Mardin, Bitlis and northern Iraq, the statement said.

During the operations, security forces also seized 809 kilograms (1,783 pounds) of bomb-making materials, eight hand grenades, 238 rounds of ammunition and heavy weapons.

Security forces also detained 7,267 undocumented migrants when they were attempting to illegally cross into Turkey.

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

Since the group resumed its armed campaign in Turkey in July 2015, more than 1,200 people, including security forces personnel and civilians, have lost their lives.