Turkey identifies neutralized PKK terrorist in N.Iraq

By Isa Toprak

ANKARA (AA) - A PKK terrorist neutralized in northern Iraq has been identified as a senior terror group member involved in its arms, drugs and human trafficking efforts across the Iran-Iraq border, a security source said on Monday.

Turkish intelligence and armed forces conducted a joint counter-terrorism operation in the Qandil region in early February to neutralize Omer Aydin, codenamed Renas Aydin, according to the security sources who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on talking to media.

Analyzing intelligence reports, Turkey's National Intelligence Organization (MIT) began monitoring Aydin's movements and took action to neutralize the terrorist, who had been active in the PKK since 1999.

In its more than 35-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US, and the EU -- has been responsible for the deaths of 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants.

*Writing by Ali Murat Alhas