ANKARA

At least three terrorists were “neutralized” in Hatay, southern border province of Turkey, said Interior Ministry on Saturday.

The gendarmerie carried out the air-assisted operation in the Amanos mountains as part of domestic efforts for security, read the ministry statement.

The airstrikes destroyed weapon emplacements, shelters, and arms depots used by PKK terrorists.

The operations continue in the region, it added.

Authorities often use the term “neutralized" in statements to imply the terrorists in question surrendered or were killed or captured.

Hatay borders Syria, where the terrorist groups PKK/YPG and Daesh have been active.

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 deaths of some 40,000 people, including women and children.

*Writing by Dilara Hamit