UPDATE 2 - Turkish jets neutralize 6 more PKK terrorists in N.Iraq

UPDATES NUMBER OF TERRORISTS NEUTRALIZED; CHANGES HEADLINE, LEDE

By Sefa Sahin, Muhammed Ali Toruntay and Busra Nur Bilgic

ANKARA (AA) - Turkish fighter jets neutralized six more PKK terrorists Thursday during a counter-terrorism operation in northern Iraq, according to the National Defense Ministry.

Airstrikes were carried out in the Metina, Zap and Gara regions in coordination with Operation Claw-2 -- Turkey’s anti-terror operation against the PKK in the Hakurk region, the ministry said on Twitter.

The new figures brings to 13 the number of PKK terrorists were neutralized Thursday, the ministry said on Twitter.

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

The airstrikes also destroyed weapon emplacements and shelters used by PKK terrorists, the ministry said.

Also, gendarmerie forces neutralized a PKK terrorist during security operations in eastern Van province, the Interior Ministry said in a statement.

Operations are ongoing in the region, it added.

On July 13, Turkey launched Operation Claw-2 as a follow-up to the successfully ongoing Claw-1, which was launched May 27.

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