Turkish jets neutralize 5 PKK terrorists in N. Iraq

By Busra Nur Bilgic Cakmak

ANKARA (AA) - Turkish fighter jets neutralized five PKK terrorists in an anti-terror operation in northern Iraq, the country's National Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.

The ministry said on Twitter that the terrorists were neutralized in the Avasin region.

Operations are continuing in the region, said the ministry.

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.

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.