ANKARA

Turkey "neutralized" two PKK terrorists in an air operation in northern Iraq, the National Defense Ministry said on Thursday.

The terrorists, who were plotting an attack, were neutralized in the Zap and Hakurk regions, said a statement by the ministry.

"Our operations will continue until the last terrorist is neutralized," the statement added.

Turkish authorities often use the term "neutralized" 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 US and EU -- has been responsible for the deaths of nearly 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants.

* Writing by Fahri Aksut