ANKARA 

Turkish jets have "neutralized" four PKK terrorists in northern Iraq, the National Defense Ministry said on Thursday.

The terrorists were neutralized in Hakurk, Zap, and Haftanin regions in an air-backed operation, the ministry said on Twitter.

The members of the terrorist organization were identified during the reconnaissance and surveillance activities in the area, it said. 

The country’s anti-terror operations continue without letup, the ministry added.

Turkish authorities often use the term "neutralized" to imply the terrorists in question surrendered or were killed or captured.

PKK terrorists often use northern Iraq to plan cross-border terrorist attacks in Turkey. 

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US and the European Union -- has been responsible for the deaths of nearly 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants.