ANKARA 

At least three terrorists were "neutralized" in an operation in the eastern Turkish province of Van, the Interior Ministry said on Tuesday.

Turkish authorities often use the word "neutralized" in their statements to imply that the terrorists in question either surrendered or were killed or captured.

As part of anti-terror efforts to ensure internal security, gendarmerie forces carried out the operation in rural areas of Tendurek in the Caldiran district.

Operations are ongoing in the region, it added.

Though the statement did not mention of any specific terrorist group, Turkey has long been conducting operations against the PKK in the region.

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 40,000 people, including women, children and infants.