Turkish jets neutralize 5 PKK terrorists in northern Iraq
Turkish soldiers drive an armored tank inside a Turkish military base
Ankara (IraqiNews.com) – The Turkish Defense Ministry said on Monday that its fighter jets neutralized five PKK terrorists during a counter-terrorism operation in northern Iraq.
Airstrikes were carried out in Qandil region as part of the ongoing Operation Claw, the ministry said on Twitter.
It added that the operation also destroyed weapon emplacements and shelters used by PKK terrorists.
Turkish authorities often use the term “neutralize” 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 the Hakurk region of northern Iraq. The ongoing offensive has neutralized dozens of terrorists so far.
PKK terrorists often use northern Iraq as a base to plan cross-border terrorist attacks on 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.