Turkish army 'neutralize' 7 terrorists in northern Iraq

ANKARA

At least seven PKK terrorists were "neutralized" during air-backed counter-terror operations in northern Iraq on Tuesday.

Turkish Armed Forces said in a statement that the military "neutralized" at least two armed terrorists in northern Iraq's Zap region in an air-backed operation.

Later, the Turkish General Staff said on Twitter that an air operation “neutralized” five terrorists in Avasin-Basyan region of northern Iraq.

The terrorists were plotting attacks on Turkish military bases, it added.

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

Zap region in northern Iraq is a staging area for PKK attacks against Turkey.

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 -- killed over 40,000 people, including women and children.