Turkish security forces say they have "neutralized" two suspected PKK members in Iraq's Kurdistan Region, according to a statement from the National Defense Ministry on Saturday. The term "neutralize" is used by Turkish authorities to signify that the individuals were either killed, captured, or surrendered.

The PKK is a designated terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union. The group has established hideouts in Kurdistan Region along the Turkish border, which serve as bases for plotting attacks against Turkey.

Operation Claw-Lock was launched in April of last year, specifically targeting the PKK's hideouts in the Metina, Zap, and Avasin-Basyan regions of Kurdistan Region, which are in close proximity to the Turkish border. Prior to this operation, two other operations, Claw-Tiger and Claw-Eagle, were conducted in 2020.

The Turkish government has said that the operations are necessary to protect its citizens from terrorist attacks. However, the PKK has accused the Turkish government of violating Iraqi sovereignty.

The United Nations has called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict between Turkey and the PKK. However, the two sides have so far been unable to reach an agreement.