Turkey says will not leave Iraq until every last terrorist is killed

Turkey will not leave Northern Iraq until every last terrorist is eliminated, Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said Wednesday.

"Operation Claw is ongoing. All terrorist lairs will be infiltrated in that zone. We will not leave the area until every last terrorist is neutralized," Akar said while making an inspection at Turkey's borders.

The Turkish Armed Forces launched Operation Claw against the PKK terror group in Northern Iraq on May 27.

At least six PKK terrorists were neutralized as part of the ongoing Operation Claw in northern Iraq, bringing the total number of terrorists killed since the beginning of the operation to 40, according to the defense ministry.

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