Turkish forces 'neutralize' 2 terrorists in N.Iraq

ANKARA

Turkish security forces "neutralized" two PKK terrorists as part of the ongoing Operation Claw-Tiger in northern Iraq, the country’s National Defense Ministry said on Friday.

In a statement, the ministry said the terrorists preparing for an attack were neutralized by an air operation in the Haftanin region.

Turkey's operations Claw-Tiger and Claw-Eagle were launched in June to ensure the safety of the Turkish people and borders by neutralizing the threat of PKK and other terrorist groups that often use northern Iraq to plan cross-border attacks.

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US and EU -- has been responsible for the deaths of 40,000 people, including women, children and infants. The YPG is the PKK's Syrian offshoot.

*Writing by Fahri Aksut