Turkey 'neutralize' at least 14 terrorists in N. Iraq

At least 14 PKK terrorists were "neutralized" in airstrikes in northern Iraq, the military said on Saturday.

In a Twitter post, the Turkish General Staff said the airstrikes "neutralized" six armed PKK terrorists in Gara region of northern Iraq when they were plotting an attack on Turkish base.

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

Earlier, the military said in a separate statement eight PKK terrorists were killed in an air operation conducted in Avasin-Basyan and Metina regions.

Separately, one Turkish soldier was martyred and four others injured in a hand-made explosive device attack during an ongoing operations in northern Iraq, the army said.

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 40,000 people, including women and children.