Turkey neutralizes 7 PKK terrorists in northern Iraq

By Muhammed Boztepe

ANKARA (AA) – Turkey neutralized seven PKK terrorists during air operations in Metina and Qandil regions of northern Iraq, the country's defense ministry said on Sunday.

The air operations were conducted in coordination with ongoing Operation Claw in Hakurk region, which was launched by the Turkish Armed Forces against the PKK terror group on May 27, the ministry said in a statement.

The airstrikes also destroyed weapon pits and shelters used by PKK terrorists, according to the statement.

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

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 nearly 40,000 people, including many women and children.