ANKARA

Turkish jets "neutralized" five PKK terrorists in northern Iraq, the National Defense Ministry announced on Monday.

The terrorists were neutralized in the Hakurk and Avasin-Basyan regions in an air operation, the ministry said on Twitter.

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

The ministry added that the country’s anti-terror operations continues without letup.

PKK terrorists often seek shelter in northern Iraq, just across the Turkish border, to plan terrorist attacks in Turkey.

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