UPDATE - Turkey ‘neutralizes’ 6 PKK terrorists in N.Iraq

By Ali Murat Alhas and Zehra Nur Duz

UPDATE WITH MORE TERRORISTS NEUTRALIZED

ANKARA (AA) - At least six PKK terrorists were “neutralized” in northern Iraq, Turkey's National Defense Ministry said Sunday.

Three PKK terrorists were “neutralized” in an air operation in the Zap and Qandil regions in coordination with Operation Claw, the ministry said on Twitter.

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

In an earlier Twitter post, the ministry said three PKK terrorists were neutralized in northern Iraq in a counter-terrorism operation carried out with the support of aerial combat elements.

On May 27, Turkey launched Operation Claw against the PKK in the Hakurk region of northern Iraq, followed by its second and third phases in July and late August.

Over 400 PKK terrorists have been “neutralized” in northern Iraq over the past four months, according to the ministry.

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