Turkey: 371 terrorists neutralized in Operation Claw-Lock

The Turkish Defense Minister announced the neutralization of 371 PKK terrorists in the “Claw-Lock” operation in northern Iraq since its launch last April.

This came in a press statement Monday upon his arrival at the Justice and Development Party headquarters in Ankara, prior to a party meeting.

In response to a question about the martyrdom of 4 soldiers in clashes with terrorists on Sunday, and the latest developments in the operation, Minister Akar had mercy on the martyrs and wished a speedy recovery for the injured.

He stressed that the strategy of “eliminating terrorism at its source” continues with firmness.

He stated that more than 400 caves and hideouts of terrorists were cleared and more than 2,000 mines and explosive devices were destroyed during the operation.

He also pointed out that the Turkish commando forces managed this morning to reach two caves used by terrorists as a warehouse for weapons.

He indicated that large quantities of weapons and ammunition were seized in the two caves.

On April 18, Turkey launched Operation Claw-Lock against the strongholds of the PKK terrorist organization in the areas of Matina, Zab, and Afshin-Basian in northern Iraq.

Turkey is carrying out operations to combat the PKK, which targets its forces and citizens, and is active in several countries in the region, including Syria, Iraq and Iran.