ANKARA

Turkish security forces neutralized four terrorists Tuesday in the southeastern Hakkari province, according to the Interior Ministry.

The provincial Gendarmerie Special Command carried out an air-supported operation against the PKK terrorist organization in rural areas of Hakkari, the ministry said in a statement.

The terrorists were carrying guns, the statement added.

Turkish authorities often use the word "neutralized" in statements to imply the terrorists in question 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 European Union -- has been responsible for the deaths of nearly 40,000 people, including many women, children and infants.