ANKARA 

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

The terrorists, who were plotting an attack, were neutralized in the Metina region, said a statement by the ministry.

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

Determined anti-terror operations against the terrorist group PKK continue, the statement added.

PKK terrorists often use northern Iraq, across Turkey's border, as a base to plan attacks on Turkey.

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.

*Writing by Seda Sevencan