Turkish jets neutralize 7 terrorists in northern Iraq

A Turkish Armed Forces airstrike neutralized seven terrorists in northern Iraq, the military said Thursday.

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

In a briefing, the Turkish Armed Forces said one airstrike was carried out in the Metina region, neutralizing two terrorists reportedly plotting an attack on military bases.

In a separate briefing, the Turkish Armed Forces said that another five terrorists were neutralized in air-backed operations in the Gara and Zap regions.

During the operations, weapon pits, shelters, and ammunition depots used by the terrorist group were also destroyed, the statements added.

Turkish airstrikes in this region usually 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.