Turkish jets neutralize 3 PKK terrorists in N.Iraq

By Burak Bir

ANKARA (AA) - Turkish fighter jets "neutralized" three PKK terrorists amid airstrikes in northern Iraq, Turkey’s Defense Ministry said on Wednesday.

The strikes were conducted in the Avasin region in coordination with Turkey’s ongoing counter-terror offensive, Operation Claw, in northern Iraq, the ministry said on Twitter

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

PKK terrorists often use northern Iraq to plan cross-border terrorist attacks in Turkey.

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

Over 400 PKK terrorists have been "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 the deaths of over 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants.