ANKARA

Turkish jets destroyed PKK terror targets in several regions of northern Iraq, across the border, Turkey's National Defense Ministry said on Friday.

Airstrikes were carried out in the Qandil, Gara, Hakurk and Zap regions of northern Iraq, destroying nearly 40 targets, including shelters, ammunition depots, and caves, said a ministry statement.

It added that, with these operations, the army inflicted a heavy blow on the PKK terror group.

The PKK terror group often uses bases in northern Iraq just across Turkey's 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 the EU – has been responsible for the deaths of at least 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants.