Turkish jets neutralize 3 terrorists in northern Iraq

By Muhammed Boztepe

ANKARA (AA) - Turkish airstrikes neutralized three PKK terrorists in northern Iraq, the National Defense Ministry said on Wednesday.

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

In a written statement, the ministry said the airstrikes were carried out in the Hakurk and Metina regions in coordination with Turkey’s ongoing anti-terror offensive, Operation Claw.

Weapon depots and shelters used by the terrorists were destroyed during the counter-terrorism operation, the statement added.

On May 27, Turkey launched Operation Claw against the PKK in the Hakurk region of northern Iraq. The ongoing offensive has neutralized 58 so far.

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 women and children.

*Writing by Nilay Kar Onum