UPDATE 2 - Turkish forces 'neutralize' 5 PKK terrorists in N. Iraq

CHANGES DECK, ADDS MARTYRDOM OF TURKISH SOLDIER

By Havva Kara Aydin and Dilara Hamit

ANKARA (AA) - Turkish security forces "neutralized" five PKK terrorists as part of Operation Claw-Tiger in northern Iraq, according to the National Defense Ministry on Sunday.

At least two terrorists were targeted in the Haftanin region in an air-backed operation, the ministry said on Twitter.

During the operation one AK-47, 200 Docka anti-aircraft ammunition, one used missile and ammunition, and life supplies were seized.

Separately, three terrorists hidden in the Operation Claw-Tiger zone were neutralized by armed unmanned aerial vehicles (drone), the ministry added.

"Our commandos, entering every cave and looking under each stone, found three more PKK terrorists hiding in the region, and neutralized them with the support of our drones," it said.

The ministry later added in the statement that one soldier had been wounded in a clash with terrorists and later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.

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

Turkey's operations Claw-Tiger and Claw-Eagle were launched last month to ensure the safety of Turkish people and the country's borders by neutralizing the threat of PKK, and other terrorist groups, who often use northern Iraq to plan cross-border attacks.

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US, and EU – has been responsible for the deaths of 40,000 people, including women, children and infants.