ANKARA

A Turkish soldier was martyred during a clash with terrorists in southeastern Sirnak province on Monday, the country’s Defense Ministry said in a statement.

The statement added that air-supported operations in the area are ongoing.

So far, a PKK terrorist has been "neutralized" during the ongoing operation.

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

On Sunday, two Turkish soldiers were also martyred in Sirnak during a clash with PKK terrorists.

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK has been responsible for the deaths of nearly 40,000 people, including many women and children.