ANKARA

Security forces "neutralized" at least two terrorists in southeastern Turkey, the Interior Ministry said on Thursday.

As part of Operation Yildirim-1 Cudi, the terrorists were targeted by the local gendarmerie command and the National Intelligence Organization (MIT) at Mt. Cudi in the Sirnak province, it said.

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

The terrorists' affiliation was not mentioned, but the terrorist PKK has been active in the region.

This summer, Turkey launched a series of security operations to neutralize terrorists believed to be hiding out in the country's east and southeast.

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK – listed as a terrorist group by Turkey, the US and EU – has been responsible for the deaths of nearly 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants.

* Writing by Erdogan Cagatay Zontur