ISTANBUL

Turkish security forces “neutralized” two PKK terrorists in northern Iraq, the country’s National Defense Ministry said on Saturday.

The ministry added that the terrorists were identified in the Claw-Lock Operation Zone.

“Wherever it may be, our fight against the terrorist organization PKK will continue until the last terrorist is neutralized!” the ministry said on X.

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

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.

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.