By Fatih Hafiz Mehmet

ANKARA

At least eight PKK terrorists, preparing for an attack on Turkish bases, were "neutralized" in air operations carried out in northern Iraq, the army said on Thursday.

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

Turkish jets also pounded terrorist hideouts in Sinat-Haftanin, Metina and Hakurk regions, the military said in a tweet.

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU -- has been responsible for the deaths of nearly 40,000 people.