ANKARA 

Turkish security forces neutralized three PKK terrorists in northern Iraq, the National Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.

In a Twitter post, the ministry said the terrorists were neutralized during an air-backed anti-terror operation in Qandil and Avasin-Basyan regions.

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

The ministry also added that Turkey's anti-terror operations will continue resolutely 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 European Union -- has been responsible for the deaths of over 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants.