UPDATE - Turkish airstrikes ‘neutralize’ 5 PKK terrorists in northern Iraq

UPDATES WITH MORE REMARKS BY THE NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTRY; CHANGES DECK

By Merve Berker / Esra Tekin

ANKARA/ISTANBUL (AA) - Turkish airstrikes “neutralized” five PKK terrorists in northern Iraq, the National Defense Ministry said on Thursday.

The terrorists were taken down in the Hakurk region, the ministry said in a statement.

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

PKK terrorists often hide out in northern Iraq to plot cross-border attacks in Türkiye.

Separately, three PKK terrorists surrendered to Turkish forces on Khabur border in northern Iraq, the ministry said, adding: “The only way out for terrorists is to surrender to Turkish justice!”

In its more than 35-year terror campaign against Türkiye, the PKK — listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the US, and EU — has been responsible for the deaths of more than 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants.