Turkish jets ‘neutralize’ 4 PKK terrorists in N Iraq

ANKARA

Turkish fighter jets “neutralized” four more PKK militants in northern Iraq, the Turkish National Defense Ministry said on July 8.

On Twitter, the ministry said the militants were “neutralized” in the Zap and Metina regions as part of the airstrikes carried out in coordination with the Operation Claw.

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

The airstrikes also destroyed weapon emplacements and shelters used by PKK militants according to the ministry.

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

The PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States and the European Union.

3 terrorists ‘neutralized’ in southeast

Separately, Turkish security forces “neutralized” three PKK militants in the country’s southeastern Hakkari province, the Interior Ministry said on July 8.

The militants were “neutralized” by provincial Gendarmerie Command in rural Hakkari -- bordering Iraq -- amid internal security operations, the statement said.

Operations are ongoing in the region, it added.

Though the statement did not mention a specific outlawed group, Turkey has long been conducting operations against the PKK in the region.