Turkey 'neutralizes' 7 PKK terrorists in northern Iraq

Turkish security forces "neutralized" seven PKK terrorists in northern Iraq, Turkey's National Defense Ministry announced Friday.

The terrorists were targeted in an air-backed operation with the coordinated work of the Turkish Armed Forces and National Intelligence Organization, the ministry said on Twitter.

The statement also added that the terrorists were "neutralized" in Asos region after they were detected through reconnaissance and surveillance activities.

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

Turkey's operations Claw-Tiger and Claw-Eagle were launched in mid-June to ensure the safety of the Turkish people and borders by neutralizing the threat of PKK, and other terrorist groups, who often use northern Iraq to plan cross-border attacks.

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.