By Sarp Ozer

ANKARA

Turkish airstrikes “neutralized” eight terrorists in the country’s eastern Bitlis province and northern Iraq’s Zap region, the military said.

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

Turkish Chief of General Staff did not specify the terror groups involved but Turkey is embroiled in a long-running struggle against PKK terror group in the area.

"The terrorists were planning an attack on security forces. The counter-terrorism operations are ongoing in the area," statement added.

The PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU -- resumed its armed campaign against Turkey in July 2015.

Since then, it has been responsible for the deaths of more than 1,200 Turkish security personnel and civilians, including a number of women and children.