UPDATE 3 -Turkey launches counter-terror operation in north Iraq

ADDS NINE TERRORISTS NEUTRALIZED

By Sarp Ozer and Fatih Hafiz Mehmet

ANKARA (AA) - The Turkish Armed Forces have launched a counter-terrorism operation in Hakurk, northern Iraq, the National Defense Ministry said Tuesday.

The military offensive, initiated Monday, aims to neutralize terrorists in the area. It began with artillery shelling and continued with airstrikes and commando operations.

Airstrikes destroyed weapons positions, shelters, caves and ammunition depots used by the terrorists with support from combat drones.

The ministry underlined that the operation was ongoing, as planned.

Turkish National Defense Minister Hulusi Akar and top generals of the Turkish Armed Forces commanded the operation throughout the night.

On Tuesday, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan posted a statement on Twitter wishing success to the Turkish soldiers in this "difficult" cross-border operation.

The National Defense Ministry said later that nine terrorists had been neutralized since Operation Claw began.

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 many women and children.