UPDATE - Turkish jets 'neutralize' 8 PKK terrorists in N. Iraq

By Mehmet Tosun

ANKARA (AA) - Turkish fighter jets neutralized eight PKK terrorists during counter-terrorism operations in northern Iraq, Turkey's National Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.

Airstrikes were carried out in coordination with Turkey's ongoing military offensive Operation Claw, the ministry said on Twitter.

The ministry later tweeted that four more terrorists were neutralized in Gara region of northern Iraq.

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

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

A total of 76 terrorists have been neutralized since the launch on May 27 of Operation Claw in the Hakurk region of northern Iraq.

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