ISTANBUL

Turkish security forces “neutralized” three PKK terrorists in northern Iraq, the National Defense Ministry said on Friday.

The ministry in a statement on X said the terrorists were targeted in Operation Claw-Lock zone.

Turkish forces will continue their operations effectively and determinedly to destroy terrorism at its source, the statement said, adding that there will be no letup.

Turkish authorities use the term “neutralize” to imply the terrorists in question surrendered or were killed or captured.

In its more than 35-year terror campaign against Türkiye, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the US, and EU – has been responsible for the deaths of more than 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants.

Türkiye launched Operation Claw-Lock in April 2022 to target the terror organization's hideouts in northern Iraq's Metina, Zap and Avasin-Basyan regions near the Turkish border.