Turkey conducts new wave of airstrikes in Iraq's north

ANKARA

Turkey has conducted a new wave of airstrikes in northern Iraq.

"7 separatist terrorists who were in preparation to assault our bases were neutralized in northern Iraqi regions of Gara and Hakurk as a result of airstrikes on Dec. 16," Turkey's National Defense Ministry said in a statement on Dec. 17, referring to the illegal PKK.

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

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

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had said that Turkey conducted airstrikes in Sinjar and Mount Karajak regions of northern Iraq late Dec. 13, adding such operations will continue.

After Iraq summoned Turkey’s ambassador on Dec. 14 to protest the airstrikes, Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement that "counter-terror operations will continue as long as Turkey’s security needs require and terror organizations exist in Iraqi soils."