Turkish security forces neutralize 61 PKK terrorists in northern Iraq

Turkey has "neutralized" at least 61 PKK terrorists during an ongoing counter-terrorism operation in northern Iraq, the Defense Ministry said on Saturday.

As part of the Operation Claw -- which was launched on May 27 by the Turkish Armed Forces against the PKK terror group in the Hakurk region -- a total of 110 mines and improvised explosives were annihilated so far, the ministry said in a statement.

A total of 151 shelters and ammunition depots used by the terror group were also destroyed.

Turkish 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.