Turkey neutralizes 59 PKK terrorists in past 3 weeks

ANKARA

The Turkish army neutralized 59 PKK terrorists over the last three weeks, the Defense Ministry said on Thursday.

The terrorists were neutralized in operations held in Turkey and northern Iraq since March 12, Lt. Cmdr. Nadide Sebnem Aktop, the ministry spokeswoman, told a press briefing.

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

Two of the terrorists were wanted by Turkish authorities, she added.

Also, a large cache of ammunition was seized and 36 handmade explosives were defused.

She added that 103 weapon emplacements, shelters, caves and depots were destroyed by the army.

On Turkey’s F-35 fighter jet procurement, Aktop said coordination between Turkey and the U.S. over the delivery of jets and the pilot training continues, citing military sources.

"Turkey is one of the partners of the program and it fulfills all the responsibilities under the program," Aktop quoted military sources as saying.

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

*Writing by Erdogan Cagatay Zontur and Can Erozden