ANKARA

Turkish security forces "neutralized" at least four PKK terrorists in northern Iraq, the country's Defense Ministry announced Monday.

Two of the terrorists were neutralized in airstrikes in Haftanin, and the remaining in the Metina region as part of Operation Claw-Tiger, the ministry said on Twitter.

Turkey's operations Claw-Tiger and Claw-Eagle were launched in June to ensure the safety of the Turkish people and borders by neutralizing the threat of the PKK and other terrorist groups that often use northern Iraq to plan cross-border attacks.

Turkish authorities often use the term "neutralize" 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 40,000 people, including women, children and infants.