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

UPDATE WITH MORE PKK CASUALTIES

By Burak Bir

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

Three terrorists were neutralized in airstrikes, carried out in the Metina and Gara regions as part of the ongoing Operation Claw, the ministry said on Twitter.

Earlier, five terrorists were neutralized Metina Gara and Avasin-Basyan regions and the airstrikes also destroyed weapon emplacements and shelters used by the PKK terrorists.

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

On May 27, Turkey launched Operation Claw against the PKK in northern Iraq's Hakurk region.

To date the ongoing offensive has neutralized dozens of terrorists.

PKK terrorists often use northern Iraq as a base to plan cross-border terror 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.