UPDATE - Turkey 'neutralizes' 5 PKK terrorists in northern Iraq

UPDATES WITH NUMBER OF NEUTRALIZED TERRORISTS, CHANGES HEAD, DECK, LEDE

By Gozde Bayar

ANKARA (AA) – Turkish security forces "neutralized" five PKK terrorists in northern Iraq, the country's National Defense Ministry said on Saturday.

Three PKK terrorists were "neutralized" during an air operation in the Avasin region, the ministry said on Twitter.

Separately, two more PKK terrorists were "neutralized" in the Gara region in a joint operation of the Turkish Armed Forces and the National Intelligence Organization, the ministry added.

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

The PKK terror group often hides out in northern Iraq, just across Turkey's southern border, to plot terror attacks in Turkey.

In its more than 35-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US, and EU – has been responsible for the deaths of at least 40,000 people, including women, children and infants.