New operation launched in eastern Turkey to root out terrorism

ANKARA

Turkish officials on Thursday announced the start of a new anti-terrorist operation in eastern Turkey.

Operation Eren-15 Mt. Agri-Cemce Madur – named after Eren Bulbul, a 15-year-old martyred by the terrorist PKK in 2017 – was launched to eliminate the terrorist PKK from the country and "neutralize" terrorists in the region, Turkey’s Interior Ministry said in a statement.

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

Taking part in the operation under the administration of the regional gendarmerie command of the eastern province of Erzurum is over 2,000 personnel from the Gendarmerie Command, Gendarmerie Special Operations, Police Special Operations Department and rangers, and 135 operational teams.

"The Operation Eren series, launched to eliminate terrorism from the country completely, continues successfully with faith and determination with the support of our public," the ministry added.

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.