By Omer Olcay

ANKARA

At least four PKK terrorists were "neutralized" during an air-backed operation in Turkey’s eastern Bitlis province and in northern Iraq.

Previously, the Interior Ministry said two terrorists were "neutralized" in the operation launched in the rural areas of Olek town of Bitlis.

The ministry said the operation will continue.

Later, the Turkish General Staff said on Twitter that an air operation was carried out in the Zap region of northern Iraq, where two terrorists were "neutralized".

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

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.