Turkey: 2 wanted terrorists neutralized last month

ANKARA

Two of four terrorists neutralized in an operation by Turkish security forces last month had been on the country's wanted list, the Interior Ministry announced on Tuesday.

The ministry said in a written statement that terrorists Eyup Cecan and Mustafa Yaman -- neutralized in the eastern Bitlis province on July 24 -- along with two more terrorists, were in the gray category of the ministry's wanted list with a bounty of 300,000 Turkish liras (over $53,700).

The Turkish Interior Ministry's wanted list is divided into five color-coded categories with red as the most wanted, followed by blue, green, orange and gray.

Turkish authorities often use the word "neutralized" in statements to imply the 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 some 40,000 people, including women, children and infants.

*Writing By Busra Nur Bilgic Cakmak