ANKARA

Turkish forces "neutralized" at least six terrorists in the southeast of the country, the Interior Ministry said on Sunday.

Provincial gendarmerie forces held anti-terror operations with air support against the armed terrorists on Mount Judi in Sirnak province and Mount Tendurek in Agri province, according to the ministry.

Four terrorists were "neutralized" on Mount Tendurek and the other two were "neutralized" on Mount Judi, it said, adding operations are ongoing in the region.

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

Though the statement did not mention of any specific terrorist group, Turkey has long been conducting operations against the PKK in the region.

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 40,000 people, including women, children and infants.

* Writing by Jeyhun Aliyev and Nilay Kar Onum