ANKARA

Turkish forces neutralized at least four PKK terrorists in northern Iraq, the National Defense Ministry said on Saturday.

Three of the terrorists were neutralized as part of the ongoing Operation Pence-Yildirim, and another one separately in Zap region, the ministry said on Twitter.

Turkish authorities use the word “neutralize” to imply the terrorists in question surrendered or were killed or captured.

The PKK terror group often hides out in northern Iraq, just across Turkey's southern border, to plot terror attacks in Turkey.

In its more than 35-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US, and the EU – has been responsible for the deaths of at least 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants.

*Writing by Ahmet Gencturk