Turkish jets neutralize 7 PKK militants in northern Iraq
Turkish soldiers
Ankara (IraqiNews.com) – Turkish fighter jets “neutralized” seven PKK militants in airstrikes on terrorist elements in northern Iraq, according to an official statement Monday.
The airstrikes in al-Zab region were conducted in coordination with Turkey’s ongoing counter-terror operations in northern Iraq, Anadolu Agency quoted the National Defense Ministry as saying in a press statement.
Turkish authorities often use the word “neutralized” to imply the militiamen in question surrendered or were killed or captured.
PKK militants often use northern Iraq to plan cross-border terrorist attacks in Turkey.
On May 27, Turkey launched Operation Claw against the PKK in the Hakurk region of northern Iraq.
In mid-July and late August, Turkey also launched Operation Claw-2 and Operation Claw-3 in northern Iraq with the same purpose.
Over 400 PKK militiamen have been “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 the deaths of 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants.