UPDATE - Turkish soldier martyred in northern Iraq

UPDATES WITH TURKEY'S ATTACK ON TERRORIST POSITIONS

By Burcu Calik

ANKARA (AA) - A Turkish soldier was martyred in an ongoing operation in northern Iraq, the National Defense Ministry said Friday.

“In a continuing operation in northern Iraq, one of our soldiers was martyred during a clash with PKK terrorists," said a ministry statement.

The ministry sent its condolences to the soldier’s family.

Turkey has been carrying out counter-terrorism operations across Turkey and in northern Iraq.

It resolutely continues to fight against terrorist organizations, particularly the PKK/KCK/PYD-YPG and also Daesh, in the country and abroad.

In a separate statement, the ministry said the Turkish jets destroyed weapon positions, shelters, and ammunition depots used by PKK terrorists in the Zap, Avasin-Basyan regions.

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 some 40,000 people, including women and children.