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

ANKARA

Turkish fighter jets “neutralized” nine PKK terrorists in northern Iraq, the Turkish Defense Ministry said on Sunday.

On Twitter, the ministry said nine 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 Metina, Avasin-Basyan, and Gara regions.

***"Nine terrorists, which were neutralized by air operations in coordination with our National Intelligence Organization in Gara region in northern Iraq today, were identified as intelligence and special force elements of the PKK," the ministry added.

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.

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.