ANKARA

Turkish security forces on Tuesday neutralized six PKK terrorists in an air operation in northern Iraq, the Turkish Defense Ministry said.

As part of Operation Claw-Tiger, the terrorists were “neutralized” in the Zap and Haftanin regions, the ministry said on Twitter.

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

Turkey’s anti-terror operations continue without any letup, the ministry said.

PKK terrorists often use northern Iraq – across the Turkish border – to plan terrorist attacks in Turkey.

Turkey's operations Claw-Tiger and Claw-Eagle were launched in June to ensure the safety of the Turkish people and borders by neutralizing the threat of the PKK and other terrorist groups that often use northern Iraq to plan cross-border attacks.

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