Large amount of bomb materials seized in northern Iraq

ANKARA

Large amount of materials used in producing bombs by the PKK terror group was seized as part of Turkey's Operation Claw in northern Iraq, the National Defense Ministry said on Thursday.

Turkish Armed Forces destroyed an improvised explosive device (IED) which was produced by the PKK, and seized a large amount of bomb-production materials in the Hakurk region, the ministry said in a statement.

A total of 45 PKK terrorists have been neutralized since May 27 in the Operation Claw which was launched by Turkish Armed Forces against the PKK terrorist group in northern Iraq.

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.

* Writing by Burak Bir