ANKARA

Turkish security forces have neutralized two PKK terrorists in northern Iraq, the National Defense Ministry said on Saturday.

The terrorists were neutralized in an air-backed operation in the Zap and Avasin regions, the ministry said in a tweet.

It said the terrorists were identified during reconnaissance and surveillance operations in the area.

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

PKK terrorists often use northern Iraq to plan cross-border terrorist attacks in Turkey.

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