Turkish jets neutralize 5 PKK terrorists in N.Iraq

By Faruk Zorlu

ANKARA - Turkish fighter jets neutralized five PKK terrorists during a counter-terrorism operation in northern Iraq, the National Defense Ministry said on Friday morning.

Airstrikes were carried out in the regions of Metina and Zap in coordination with the ongoing Operation Claw, the ministry said on Twitter.

Turkish authorities often use the term "neutralized" in statements to imply the 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. To dates the offensive has neutralized dozens of terrorists.

PKK terrorists often use northern Iraq as a base to plan cross-border terrorist attacks on Turkey.

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 some 40,000 people, including women, children and infants.