UPDATE - Turkish jets ‘neutralize’ 7 PKK terrorists in N. Iraq

UPDATES NUMBER OF TERRORISTS NEUTRALIZED

By Sefa Sahin and Muhammed Ali Toruntay

ANKARA (AA) - Turkish fighter jets neutralized four PKK terrorists during a counter-terrorism operation in northern Iraq, the National Defense Ministry said on Thursday.

Airstrikes were carried out in the regions of Metina and Zap in coordination with the ongoing Operation Claw, Turkey’s anti-terror operation against the PKK in the Hakurk region, the ministry said on Twitter.

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

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

The Turkish army neutralized three more PKK terrorists in Metina on Thursday, the ministry said on Twitter.

Also gendarmerie forces neutralized a PKK terrorist during security operations in eastern Van province, the Interior Ministry said in a statement.

Operations are ongoing in the region, it added.

On July 13, Turkey launched Operation Claw-2 as a follow-up to the successfully ongoing Claw-1, which was launched on May 27.

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.