ANKARA

Turkey neutralized a senior member of the PKK terrorist organization in northern Iraq, security sources said on Thursday.

Mazlum Demir was neutralized in a joint operation conducted by the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) and National Intelligence Organization (MIT) on Tuesday in the Gara region, the sources said, requesting anonymity because they are not allowed to speak to the media.

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

The sources added that Demir, sought with a red notice by Interpol, was preparing to take explosives and ammunition to Turkey for use in an act of terror.

He was remanded in custody in 2011 while preparing to carry out a bomb attack against security forces in Turkey's southeastern province of Hakkari.

After being released, Demir, codenamed Jir, took part in terrorist acts in Turkey against security forces between 2013 and 2019, after which he began operating on behalf of the terror group in northern Iraq.

PKK terrorists often use northern Iraq as a base to plan cross-border terrorist attacks on Turkey.

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 40,000 people, including women, children and infants.

The terrorist YPG is PKK's Syrian offshoot.