ANKARA

Turkish security forces “neutralized” one PKK terrorist in northern Iraq, the National Defense Ministry said on Friday.

"Our operations against the terror group PKK continue determinedly. Our heroic commandos in Avasin, northern Iraq have identified and neutralized a PKK terrorist along with one AK-47 P. Tf. and 2 hand grenades," said the ministry on Twitter.

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

PKK terrorists often use northern Iraq – across the Turkish border – to plan terrorist attacks in Turkey.

The airstrikes come amid Turkey’s Operations Claw-Tiger and Claw-Eagle in northern Iraq, launched last month to ensure the safety of the Turkish people and borders by neutralizing the threat of the PKK and other terrorist groups.

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.