A total of five PKK terrorists were killed in a counterterror operation carried out in northern Iraq's Zap region, the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) said Wednesday in a written statement.

The terrorists, who were planning an attack, were killed in an airstrike, which was launched early Wednesday upon receiving intelligence. The TSK operation also targeted a DShK anti-aircraft weapon.

Founded in 1978, the PKK has waged a decades-long bloody campaign against Turkey.

The PKK, which is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S., and the EU, resumed its armed campaign in July 2015 after a brief reconciliation period.

Since that time, the PKK has been responsible for the deaths of some 1,200 security personnel and civilians, including women and children, while more than 4,000 security personnel and over 2,000 civilians have been injured.