Wanted PKK terrorist neutralized by Turkish forces in northern Iraq

ANKARA

A wanted PKK terrorist was neutralized Friday in an operation led by Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT) in northern Iraq, according to a security source.

Following a period of surveillance, MIT conducted a surgical strike near Makhmur camp -- which serves as a recruitment and training area for the PKK -- to neutralize Hasan Adir, alias Salih Cizre, said the source on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

The terrorist, who was sought by Interpol with a red notice, was responsible for activities in Makhmur, the source added.

It was found out that Adir carried out his activities in coordination with Selman Bozkur, the so-called senior executive of the PKK and general manager of Makhmur district, who was neutralized on Saturday.

Adir also operated the terror group in Sulaymaniyah province of northern Iraq, the source said.

Turkish authorities use the word "neutralize" to imply the terrorists in question surrendered or were killed or captured.

3rd senior terrorist neutralized recently

In May, Turkish security forces neutralized Sofi Nurettin, alias Halef al-Muhammad, a senior operative of the terror group.

Muhammad was wanted under the highest category of Turkish Interior Ministry's color-coded list.

Another senior PKK operative, Selman Bozkur, was neutralized by the Turkish intelligence on Saturday.

Codenamed Doctor Huseyin, he was acting as general manager of Makhmur district.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had said that Turkey would not allow the "treacherous and separatist organization" to use Iraq's Makhmur district as an "incubation center" for terrorism.

"We will continue to eradicate terrorism at its source," Erdogan stressed.

In its more than 35-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US, and the EU -- has been responsible for the deaths of at least 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants.