ANKARA

A wanted PKK terrorist was neutralized in an operation led by Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization in northern Syria, according to a security source on Tuesday.

Engin Karaaslan, codenamed Haydar Varto, was neutralized in an operation supported by an armed unmanned aerial vehicle in the Eli Fero region of the Qamishli-Hasakah main road, said the source on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

The terrorist, sought by Interpol with a red notice, was the so-called central committee member of the PKK, the source added.

Karaaslan, who joined the PKK in the 1980s, took personal training from Abdullah Ocalan, the PKK ringleader imprisoned in Turkey. The terrorist has also assumed the position of the so-called Armenia representative of the terror group in the 2000s.

The source also said Karaaslan has become the most senior member of the terrorist organization neutralized in Syria so far.

Turkish authorities use the word "neutralize" to imply the terrorists in question surrendered or were killed or captured.

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.