ANKARA

At least five PKK terrorists have been "neutralized" in air operations in southeastern Turkey and northern Iraq, the Turkish military said on Monday.

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

In a statement, the Turkish General Staff said the five terrorists, who were plotting attacks, were "neutralized" in air operations on Sept. 16-17 in Turkey's Sirnak province and Hakurk, northern Iraq.

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 nearly 40,000 people, including women and children.

Reporting by Selma Kasap; Writing by Faruk Zorlu