UPDATE - Turkish jets neutralize 9 PKK terrorists in N Iraq

UPDATES WITH PKK TERRORISTS NEUTRALIZED; REVISES DECK, HEADLINE

By Cankurt Tasdan

ANKARA (AA) - Turkish fighter jets neutralized at least nine PKK terrorists in anti-terror operations in northern Iraq, the country's National Defense Ministry said on Wednesday.

On Twitter, the ministry earlier said two terrorists were neutralized in the Haftanin region as part of Turkey's ongoing counter-terrorism offensive Operation Claw 3.

Later in the day, seven more PKK terrorists were neutralized in the Avasin region of northern Iraq.

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

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

On May 27, Turkey launched the Operation Claw against the PKK in the Hakurk region of northern Iraq, followed by the operation's second and third phases in July and late August.

Over 400 PKK terrorists have been "neutralized" in northern Iraq over the past four months, according to the ministry.

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

*Writing by Nilay Kar Onum and Sena Guler