Turkish forces 'neutralize' 3 PKK terrorists in northern Iraq

By Merve Berker

ANKARA (AA) – Turkish security forces "neutralized" three PKK terrorists in northern Iraq, near the Turkish border, authorities said on Friday.

The terrorists were targeted in areas of Operation Claw-Lock and Operation Claw-Lightning, the Turkish National Defense Ministry said on Twitter.

"Neither north of Iraq nor north of Syria is safe for terrorists," the ministry stated, underscoring: "We are determined to end terror."

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

Türkiye launched Operation Claw-Lock in April to target PKK terrorist hideouts in Iraq's northern Metina, Zap, and Avasin-Basyan regions, near the Turkish border.

It was initiated after Operations Claw-Tiger and Claw-Eagle to root out terrorists hiding in northern Iraq and plotting cross-border attacks in Türkiye.

Operation Pence-Simsek is among a series of offensives Türkiye has carried out since 2019 against terrorist groups in northern Iraq, particularly the PKK.

In its more than 35-year terror campaign against Türkiye, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the US and EU – has been responsible for the deaths of over 40,000 people, including women, children and infants.