ANKARA 

Three PKK terrorists were “neutralized” by Turkish airstrikes early Friday in northern Iraq, according to the military.

Turkish authorities often use the word "neutralized" in their statements to imply the terrorists in question either surrendered or were killed or captured.

The three terrorists, who were plotting an attack on a base area and border post in the region, were neutralized by airstrikes carried out in the Zap region, the Turkish army said in a statement.

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU -- has been responsible for the death of some 40,000 people, including women and children.

Reporting by Mehmet Nuri Ucar:Writing by Faruk Zorlu