Turkey neutralizes 51 PKK terrorists in N.Iraq operation

ANKARA

A total of 51 terrorists have been neutralized since May 27 in Turkey’s counter-terrorism operation in northern Iraq, an official statement said on Saturday.

The ongoing Operation Claw which was launched by Turkish Armed Forces against the PKK terrorist group neutralized three more terrorists -- one of them earlier today -- in the Hakurk region on Saturday, bringing the total number to 51, the National Defense Ministry said on Twitter.

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 Beyza Binnur Donmez