12 terrorists 'neutralized' in Turkey, northern Iraq

By Merve Yildizalp

ANKARA (AA) - Turkish military has "neutralized" 12 terrorists during anti-terror operations in eastern Turkey and northern Iraq, the military said on Thursday.

Turkish authorities often use the word "neutralized" in their statements to imply the terrorists in question either surrendered or were killed or captured.

In a post on its official Twitter account, Turkish General Staff said airstrikes were conducted on June 25 in eastern Hakkari province, southeastern Sanliurfa province, and northern Iraq's Hakurk region.

Turkish airstrikes in these regions generally target PKK terrorists.

Airstrikes on PKK targets in northern Iraq have been carried out regularly since July 2015, when the PKK resumed its decades-long armed campaign.

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 women and children.