Turkish soldier martyred by PKK terrorists in northern Iraq

A Turkish soldier was martyred in a clash with terrorists in a cross-border anti-terror operation in northern Iraq, the Turkish National Defense Ministry said on Friday.

According to the ministry, two terrorists were also neutralized during Operation Claw-Tiger and their weapons were destroyed as well.

Turkish authorities use the term "neutralized" to imply the terrorists in question surrendered or were killed or captured.

Turkey's Defense Minister Hulusi Akar conveyed his condolences to the Turkish nation over the martyrdom of the soldier on Twitter.

Turkey's operations Claw-Tiger and Claw-Eagle were launched last week to ensure the safety of the Turkish people and borders by neutralizing the threat of the 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.