ANKARA 

Turkish security forces neutralized three PKK terrorists in northern Iraq as part of Operation Claw, Turkish Defense Ministry said on Saturday.

Turkish authorities often use the word "neutralized" in their statements to imply that the terrorists in question either surrendered or were killed or captured.

So far 22 terrorists have been neutralized in Hakurk region since the operation began on Monday, the ministry said in a statement.

During the operation, many weapons and ammunition of the terrorists were also seized. The ministry also published the images of ammunition and rocket warheads.

The Turkish Armed Forces launched Operation Claw against the PKK terror group on Monday.

"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 some 40,000 people, including women and children.