By S.Ahmet Aytac

ANKARA

At least 14 PKK terrorists were “neutralized” in an air operation carried out in northern Iraq on Saturday, according to the Turkish military.

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

The terrorists, who were plotting attacks on Turkish bases, were “neutralized” in northern Iraq's Gara, Qandil mountain and Zap regions, the Turkish General Staff said in a statement.

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU -- has been responsible for the deaths of some 40,000 people, including women and children.