Turkey 'neutralizes' 5 PKK terrorists in N. Iraq

By Ali Murat Alhas

ANKARA (AA) - The Turkish military neutralized five PKK terrorists amid air-backed operations in northern Iraq, Turkey's Ministry of National Defense said on Saturday.

One terrorist in the Sinat-Haftanin region of northern Iraq was neutralized as part of Operation Claw-3, along with four more neutralized in the Zap region, the ministry said on Twitter.

It added: "Our operations are going to continue without pause."

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

On May 27, Turkey launched Operation Claw against the PKK in the Hakurk region of northern Iraq, followed by its second and third phases in July and late August.

More than 400 PKK terrorists were “neutralized” in northern Iraq over the past four months, according to the ministry.

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 deaths of 40,000 people, including women, children and infants.