ANKARA

Turkish security forces "neutralized" seven PKK terrorists in northern Iraq, the country’s National Defense Ministry said on Sunday. 

The terrorists, who were preparing for an attack, were neutralized in air-backed operation by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) in the Haftanin region, it said.

Operations against the PKK continue determinedly, it added.

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

In its more than 30-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 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants.

* Writing by Seda Sevencan