Turkish forces have "neutralized" nine PKK fighters during an operation in the border areas of the Kurdistan Region, Turkey’s Defense Ministry announced on Sunday.

The ministry's statement highlighted that the operation is part of ongoing efforts by Turkey to combat PKK fighters in the region. The Turkish armed forces remain determined to eliminate PKK threats and ensure the security of the nation, the statement emphasized.

The operation took place in Hakurk, a region that has seen numerous military activities as part of Turkey’s broader campaign against the PKK group in Iraq and Syria in recent years.

The term "neutralize" is commonly used by Turkish authorities to indicate that the PKK fighters involved were either killed, captured, or surrendered during the operation.

This latest operation follows a series of high-level meetings held last week between Turkey and Iraq in Ankara, where both countries signed a security agreement focused on protecting the border areas in the Kurdistan Region.

The PKK, which is designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union, has been in conflict with Turkey for 40 years. According to Turkish authorities, the conflict has resulted in over 40,000 deaths, including women, children, the elderly, and infants.