5 PKK militants ‘neutralized’ in northern Iraq

ANKARA- Anadolu Agency

At least five PKK militants were neutralized during Turkey's counter-terrorism operations in northern Iraq, Turkish Defense Ministry said on June 6.

Authorities often use the term “neutralized" in statements to imply militants in question surrendered or were killed or captured.         

At least three PKK militants were neutralized as part of the ongoing Operation Claw in northern Iraq, bringing the total number of terrorists killed since the beginning of the operation to 43, the ministry said in a statement.         

The Turkish Armed Forces launched Operation Claw against the PKK on May 27.         

Separately, the ministry said two militants were also neutralized during operations in Zap region.         

PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU.

In the meantime, one Turkish soldier was killed on June 5 due to a military vehicle accident in eastern Hakkari province, the Defense Ministry said on June 6.

 “Our fellow soldier, Specialist Corporal Fatih Öz was martyred due to a military vehicle accident on June 5, 2019,” the Defense Ministry said in a statement.     

Another soldier was injured in the accident.