Turkish Ministry of National Defense announced that at least 76 PKK fighters were killed in Zap, Avashin, Basyan, Gara, Metina and Qandil areas since May 27, since the Operation Claw launched by Turkish Armed Forces.

The ministry said in a statement that the Operation Claw, launched in the Hakurk region in the north of Iraq on 27 May, continues successfully as planned.

"Especially PKK terrorists, their shelters, caves, ammunition, and life supplies determined by the search activities and destroyed one by one," the statement read.

"In coordination with the Operation Claw, other areas in the north of Iraq where the terrorist organization is trying to shelter are still being shot."

Since May 27, the Zap, Avashin, Basyan, Gara, Metina, and Kandil regions have been shot several times through air operations and ground fire support.

The statement read that at least 7 PKK elements were neutralized in air operation launched against Metina and Qandil regions, thus a total of 76 PKK terrorists in the north of Iraq have been neutralized, since May 27.

Trapped 80 mines and handmade explosives were destroyed, the statement said while added that 15 shelters also were destroyed, so that the PKK's total 133 caves and shelters in the Hakurk region were destroyed with life materials.

ILKHA