ANKARA

Turkish security forces have seized a huge cache of arms and ammunition following an operation against PKK terror group in northern Iraq, the National Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.

During search and sweep activities in Hakurk region, an anti-aircraft gun, a barrel full of ammunition, a large number of machine gun ammunition as well as other arms and ammunition were seized by Turkish commandos, said the ministry statement.

Terrorists belonging to the terror group often take shelter in northern Iraq to plan cross-border attacks in Turkey.

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 Merve Aydogan