Akar said the jets “successfully” attacked PKK shelters, bunkers, caves, tunnels, ammunition depots and headquarters. The group maintains bases in northern Iraq and has used the area for attacks on Turkey.

Turkey has conducted numerous cross-border air and ground operations against the PKK in recent decades. The latest offensive took place in the Metina, Zap and Avashin-Basyan regions of northern Iraq, Akar said.

“Our operation continues successfully as planned. The goals set for the first phase have been achieved,” says Akar.

There was no information on the number of troops and fighter jets involved in the latest raid.

“We are determined to save our noble nation from the terror accident that has plagued our country for 40 years,” Akar said. “Our fight will continue until the last terrorist is neutralized.”

The minister said the raid targeted “terrorists” and that “maximum sensitivity” was shown to prevent damage to civilians and cultural and religious structures.

There was no immediate statement from the Kurdish militant group.

Tens of thousands of people have been killed since the PKK, which has been classified as a terrorist organization by the US and the European Union, started an uprising in 1984 in Kurdish southeastern Turkey.