Turkey 'neutralizes' 3 PKK terrorists in northern Iraq

By Fahri Aksut

ANKARA (AA) - Turkish security forces "neutralized" three PKK terrorists in northern Iraq – near the Turkish border – during reconnaissance and surveillance activities, the National Defense Ministry announced on Monday.

In a statement, the ministry said the terrorists were neutralized in an air operation in the Zap region.

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

"Turkey will resolutely continue to pursue its anti-terror operation against the PKK terror group," it said.

PKK terrorists often take shelter in northern Iraq to plan cross-border terrorist attacks in Turkey.

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US, and the EU – has been responsible for the deaths of nearly 40,000 people, including women, children and infants.