Turkish security forces have neutralized 13 Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) fighters in the border areas of the Kurdistan Region, the National Defense Ministry announced on Tuesday.

The ministry reported on X (formerly Twitter) that the PKK fighters were located and targeted in the Gara and Haftanin regions through airstrikes. Emphasizing its commitment to combating the PKK, the ministry stated, “We are continuing and will continue our fight with great determination and resolve to rid our nation of the scourge of terrorism.” The statement added, “We are making northern Iraq a tough place for terrorists!”

The PKK often uses the Kurdistan Region as a base for planning attacks on Turkey. Turkish authorities use the term “neutralize” to indicate that the PKK fighters either surrendered, were killed, or were captured.

The PKK, designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US, and the EU, has been responsible for over 40,000 deaths, including women, children, and infants, in its 35-year campaign against Turkey.