Turkey's National Defense Ministry has announced the "neutralization" of at least 12 members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The operation, dubbed "Claw-Lock," targeted PKK operatives in the Metina region, according to state media Anadolu Agency, citing security sources.

"Turkish security forces 'neutralized' at least 12 PKK terrorists in the Kurdistan Region," reported Anadolu Agency on Saturday, attributing the information to security sources.

The term "neutralize" is commonly employed by Turkish authorities to indicate actions such as killing or apprehending individuals in the context of military operations against the PKK.

The PKK, a Kurdish militant group, has been engaged in a protracted armed conflict with Turkey for decades. Operating not only within Turkey but also across borders, PKK members are active in various regions, including parts of the Kurdistan Region such as Sinjar, Badinan, and Qandil.

Turkey's military operations against PKK targets in the Kurdistan Region frequently result in airstrikes, particularly in areas known to harbor PKK operatives.

This announcement follows another recent operation in which Turkish forces claimed to have neutralized four PKK members in the Kurdistan Region, signaling ongoing efforts by Turkey to combat the group's presence in the area.