7 PKK terrorists neutralized in southeastern Turkey

Turkish security forces "neutralized" seven PKK terrorists during operations in the country's southeast.

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

Five terrorists were neutralized during security operations by the provincial gendarmerie command and police in Savur in the Mardin province, the Interior Ministry said on Twitter.

Two other terrorists were neutralized in an air-backed anti-terror operation in Silopi in the Şırnak province, the provincial governor's office said.

The operation was carried out to protect Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) workers and to neutralize PKK terrorists in the district, it said.

Three Turkish soldiers guarding TPAO workers were martyred and another wounded in Silopi on Wednesday when they were attacked by PKK terrorists.

Anti-terror operations are continuing in the region.

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist group by Turkey, the U.S. and the European Union -- has been responsible for the deaths of nearly 40,000 people, including many women, children and infants.