ISTANBUL (Anadolu) – Turkish 
security forces neutralized at least 9 PKK militants in northern Iraq, the Defense Ministry said on Monday.
Terrorists were targeted in the Gara, Metina and Hakurk regions on Dec. 3-9, the ministry said on X.
Turkish authorities use the term “neutralize” to imply the terrorists in question surrendered or were killed or captured.
The PKK is known for using northern Iraq, near the Turkish border, as a hideout to plot terror attacks against Turkey.
In its 40-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 over 40,000 people, including women, children, infants and the elderly.