Turkish drones 'neutralize' 3 PKK terrorists in N. Iraq

By Ali Murat Alhas

ANKARA (AA) - Turkish drones strike neutralized three PKK terrorists in northern Iraq on Sunday, according to Turkey's Ministry of National Defense.

In an official statement, the ministry said anti-terror operations against the PKK continued without pause in northern Iraq.

"Three more members of the separatist terrorist organization detected in the Zap region were neutralized by our armed drones," the statement read.

Turkish authorities often use the word "neutralized" in statements to imply 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, followed by its second and third phases in July and late August.

More than 400 PKK terrorists were “neutralized” in northern Iraq over the past four months, according to the ministry.

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 deaths of 40,000 people, including women, children and infants.