A picture taken on April 19, 2022 shows smoke billowing from behind the mountains of Matin (Jabal Matin) in the town of Chiladze following a Turkish offensive targeting rebels in the northern Iraqi Kurdish autonomous region. (PHOTO / AFP)

ANKARA - Six Turkish soldiers were killed and one was injured Saturday in clashes with militants of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in northern Iraq, the Turkish Defense Ministry said.

The clashes erupted after PKK members tried to infiltrate a Turkish base in northern Iraq, the ministry said in a statement.

At least 13 militants were "neutralized," the Turkish Defense Ministry said, adding that the clashes continue in the region with Turkish air forces carrying out airstrikes against PKK targets

At least 13 militants were "neutralized," it said, adding that the clashes continue in the region with Turkish air forces carrying out airstrikes against PKK targets.

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

In a separate conflict with the PKK in Iraq, six Turkish soldiers were killed and one was wounded Friday.

The Turkish forces frequently carry out ground operations, airstrikes, and artillery bombardments against the group's positions in northern Iraq, especially the Qandil Mountains, the main base of the PKK.

The Turkish government launched Operation Claw-Lock in northern Iraq in April 2022 to fight against the PKK.

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The PKK, listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the United States, and the European Union, has been rebelling against the Turkish government for more than three decades.