ANKARA

Turkish forces neutralized three PKK terrorists in an airstrike in northern Iraq, the National Defense Ministry said on Saturday.

The terrorists were neutralized in the Gara region in a joint operation by Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization and military, the ministry said on Twitter.

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

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.