Turkish forces ‘neutralize’ 141 PKK terrorists in May

Turkish security forces “neutralized” a total of 141 PKK terrorists in May, the country’s deputy interior minister said on Monday.

Authorities often use “neutralized" in statements to imply terrorists in question surrendered or were killed or captured.

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.

Speaking to reporters, Ismail Catakli said 3,645 people were captured for their suspected links to the terror organizations in May.

Referring to the anti-drug operations, he said nearly 15,000 people were arrested and 1,577 were remanded in custody in the same month.

He also said that the ministry initiated a legal procedure against 2,295 people as part of its fight against cyber crimes.

Noting that over 3.6 million Syrians were recorded across Turkey, he said nearly 330,000 people turned to their homeland.

Referring to irregular migrants, he said a total of 27,536 migrants and 561 human smugglers were arrested in May.

Turkey has been the main route for irregular migrants trying to cross into Europe, especially since 2011 when the Syrian civil war began.