Security forces 'neutralize' 5 terrorists in eastern Turkey

Security forces neutralized five Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) terrorists in eastern Turkey's Bitlis province, the Interior Ministry said on Monday, adding that operations in the region were ongoing.

The PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the European Union and the United States.

The PKK has been conducting armed violence in the southeastern part of Turkey since 1984.

More than 40,000 people, mostly civilians, have been killed in the three-decade long conflict.