Turkey neutralizes 2 PKK terrorists in N.Iraq

By Muhammed Boztepe

ANKARA (AA) – Turkish security forces neutralized two PKK terrorists in northern Iraq as part of its ongoing Operation Claw, National Defense Ministry said Wednesday.

So far 45 terrorists have been neutralized in the anti-PKK operation which began on May 27 in Hakurk region, the ministry said in a statement.

Turkish security forces seized two AK-47 rifles and a first-person helmet camera from the neutralized terrorists, according to the statement.

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.

*Ali Murat Alhas contributed to this story from Ankara