UPDATE - Turkish jets ‘neutralize’ 9 PKK terrorists in N. Iraq

UPDATES WITH MORE TERRORISTS NEUTRALIZED

By Burak Bir and Baris Kilic

ANKARA (AA) - Turkish fighter jets “neutralized” nine PKK terrorists in northern Iraq, the Turkish Defense Ministry said on Monday.

In a Twitter post, the ministry said two PKK terrorists were “neutralized” in the airstrikes carried out in coordination with the ongoing Operation Claw -- Turkey’s anti-terror operation against the PKK -- in the Zap region.

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

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

Later on Monday, the ministry announced that seven more PKK terrorists were “neutralized” in airstrikes carried out as part of Turkey's ongoing Operation Claw-3 in northern Iraq.

"A total number of terrorists neutralized so far in Operation Claw-3 is 22," the ministry added.

On May 27, Turkey launched Operation Claw against the PKK in the Hakurk region of northern Iraq. The ongoing offensive has neutralized dozens of terrorists so far.

PKK terrorists often use northern Iraq as a base, to plan cross-border terrorist attacks in Turkey.

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.