3 terrorists ‘neutralized’ as Operation Claw continues

By Sena Guler

ANKARA (AA) - Turkish jets have "neutralized" three PKK terrorists during counter-terror Operation Claw-2 in northern Iraq, according to Turkey's National Defense Ministry on Monday.

A total of 71 terrorists have been "neutralized" since the launch of Operation Claw on May 27 against the terrorist organization in Harkuk region of northern Iraq, the ministry said in a Twitter post.

On Saturday, Turkey launched Operation Claw-2 as a follow-up on the successfully ongoing Claw-1 operation in Hakurk area which revealed new information on terrorist activities, according to the ministry.

Turkish authorities often use the word "neutralized" in statements to imply terrorists in question surrendered or were killed or captured.

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, including many women and children.