ANKARA

At least five PKK terrorists were "neutralized" in a domestic anti-terror operation in southeastern Turkey, the country's Interior Ministry said on Sunday.

The operation was carried out under the coordination of the gendarmerie forces in the rural area of Mount Herekol in Pervari in Turkey's southeastern Siirt province, the ministry said in a statement.

Armed unmanned aerial vehicles, a combat helicopter, and the air forces supported the operation.

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

The PKK terror group has been active in eastern and southeastern Turkey.

In its more than 35-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US, and the EU – has been responsible for the deaths of over 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants.

* Writing by Gozde Bayar