Turkish army ‘neutralizes’ 21 PKK terrorists in N. Iraq

Turkish jets have “neutralized” at least 21 PKK terrorists in northern Iraq, Turkey's National Defense Ministry said on Wednesday.

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

The armed terrorists were “neutralized” in the Zap, Metina, Avasin and Haftanin regions when Turkish military carried out airstrikes between Jan. 20-22, the ministry said in a Twitter post.

The terrorists were plotting attacks on Turkish bases, it said, adding shelters and depots used by terrorists were also destroyed in the operation.

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.