79 PKK terrorists killed, senior terrorist surrendered in anti-terror ops in SE Turkey

At least 79 PKK terrorists have been killed, a senior terrorist figure has surrendered in counter-terror operations across Turkey over the past week, a statement by the General Staff said late Thursday.

The anti-terror operations continue in the eastern provinces of Hakkari, Şırnak, Diyarbakır, Mardin, Van, Batman and Siirt, the statement read.

Senior terrorist figure identified as Orhan Bilen (Pseudonym Resul Guyi), whose name was a on a wanted list surrendered in Siirt province, the military added.

At least 19 shelters belonging to the terrorists were destroyed in the operations.

Security forces also seized at least 70 infantry rifles, more than 50 hand grenades, five machine guns, five rocket launchers, more than 35 improvised explosives and various explosive materials.

In the past week, five soldiers were killed and 15 others were injured in PKK terror attacks, the statement added.

The PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU -- resumed its armed campaign against Turkey in July 2015.

Since then, it has been responsible for the deaths of 1,200 Turkish security personnel and civilians, including a number of women and children.