"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 PKK.

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

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had said that his country conducted airstrikes in Sinjar and Mount Karajak regions of in Kurdistan late December 13, adding such operations will continue.

After Iraq summoned Turkey’s ambassador on December 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."

Reporter’s code: 50101