Turkish forces 'neutralize' 15 terrorists in N. Iraq

By Can Erozden

ANKARA

Turkish forces have "neutralized" 15 PKK terrorists in northern Iraq, the military said on Saturday.

In a Twitter post, Turkish Armed Forces said it carried out airstrikes on Friday in Gara, Zap and Avasin-Basyan regions and “neutralized” 15 PKK terrorists.

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

The terror group’s shelters and ammo depots were also destroyed in the airstrikes, the military said.

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.