Turkish army 'neutralizes' 7 terrorists in N. Iraq

By Meryem Goktas

ANKARA (AA) - Turkish jets "neutralized" seven terrorists as part of an anti-terror operation in northern Iraq, the military said Sunday.

In a Twitter post, the Turkish General Staff said the airstrikes carried out in Avasin-Basyan region on Saturday neutralized terrorists plotting attacks on Turkish bases.

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

Turkish jets also destroyed shelters and depots of the terrorists during the operation.

The airstrikes in this region generally target PKK terrorists.

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.