Turkey neutralizes 7 PKK terrorists in northern Iraq

UPDATES WITH MORE NEUTRALIZED TERRORISTS, CHANGED HEADLINE, DECK, LEDE

By Ahmet Gencturk and Busra Nur Cakmak

ANKARA (AA) – At least seven PKK terrorists have been "neutralized" in northern Iraq, the National Defense Ministry said on Monday.

Three terrorists were targeted in a coordinated operation by the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) and National Intelligence Organization (MIT) in the Haftanin region, the ministry said.

Four terrorists were also neutralized in northern Iraq’s Metina region by the Turkish Air Force, the ministry said on Twitter, along with aerial footage.

Turkish authorities use the word neutralized in statements 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 EU – has been responsible for the deaths of at least 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants.