Turkish jets ‘neutralize’ 6 PKK militants in N Iraq

ANKARA

At least six PKK militants were “neutralized” on Jan. 20 in northern Iraq, the Turkish Defense Ministry has announced.

Turkish authorities often use the word “neutralized” in their statements to imply that the militants in question either surrendered or were killed or captured.

Airstrikes carried out in the Zap, Sinat-Haftanin and Hakurk regions neutralized militants plotting attacks on Turkish bases, the ministry said on Twitter on Jan. 21.

Turkish jets also destroyed shelters and depots of the militants during the operation.

The PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU.

Explosives seized in Mardin

Meanwhile, security forces have seized 150 kilograms of explosives during an operation against the PKK in Turkey’s southeastern province of Mardin, the local governorship said on Jan. 21.

The operation was conducted on Jan. 19 in the Harmankaya neighborhood of Ömerli district, Mardin governor’s office said in a statement.

An improvised explosive device was also seized during the operation.