Turkish jets 'neutralize' 3 PKK terrorists in Iraq

By Yilmaz Kazandioglu

HAKKARI, Turkey (AA) - At least three PKK terrorists were "neutralized" in an air operation early Friday in northern Iraq, according to a military source.

The military generally uses the term "neutralize" to signify that the targets were killed.

The air operation, launched in Iraq's Kani Rash region, came shortly after two Turkish soldiers were martyred and two others were wounded in an attack by PKK terrorists on the area Thursday.

According to the military source, who wished to remain anonymous due to media restrictions, the PKK terrorists and their shelters and weapon emplacements were initially identified by drones.

Anti-terror operations remain ongoing, the source added.

Airstrikes on PKK targets in southeast Turkey and northern Iraq, where the terror group has its main base in the Qandil region near the Iranian border, have been carried out regularly since July 2015, when the PKK resumed its armed campaign.

The PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the EU and the U.S. -- has killed more than 1,200 Turkish security personnel and civilians since taking up arms again.