ANKARA

Three PKK terrorists were "neutralized" in an operation by Turkey's National Intelligence Organization (MIT) in northern Iraq, said a security source on Friday.

The terrorists were active in Gara, Qandil, and Sinjar regions in northern Iraq, said the source on condition of anonymity.

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

The PKK terror group often uses bases in northern Iraq just across Turkey's southern border to hide and plot terror attacks in Turkey.

In its more than 35-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 at least 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants.

*Writing by Gozde Bayar