UPDATE - Turkey neutralizes 13 PKK terrorists in northern Iraq

UPDATES WITH MORE TERRORISTS NEUTRALIZED

By Dilara Hamit and Sibel Morrow

ANKARA (AA) – Turkish airstrikes neutralized 13 PKK terrorists in northern Iraq on Friday, the Defense Ministry said.

The operation targeted terrorists in Metina region, the ministry said on Twitter.

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

Earlier on Friday, four PKK terrorists had been neutralized in the same operation.

The operation in Metina region will continue, the ministry added.

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 40,000 people, including women, children and infants.