Turkey neutralizes PKK terrorist in N. Iraq operation

Turkish security forces neutralized a PKK terrorist, and seized a large amount of arms and ammunition as part of an anti-terror operation in northern Iraq, the National Defense Ministry said on Thursday.

The seized items included an AK-47 rifle, RPG-7 rocket launcher, 160 5.56 mm Kalashnikov ammunition, handmade and IED explosives, anti-tank rocket ammunition, ammonium nitrate and 60mm mortars, among others.

The action was part of Operation Claw-Tiger, which was launched last month to ensure the safety of Turkish people, and the country's borders by neutralizing the threat of PKK and other terrorist groups in the region.

All materials seized were destroyed, the ministry said, adding that action against terror targets in northern Iraq is successfully continuing.

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