UPDATE - 2 PKK terrorists neutralized in southeastern Turkey

UPDATES WITH TERROR ATTACK IN EASTERN TURKEY; CHANGES DECK, LEDE

By Ahmet Sertan Usul and Muhammed Ali Toruntay

ANKARA (AA) - Two Turkish soldiers were martyred and two PKK terrorists were neutralized during counter-terrorism operations in eastern and southeastern Turkey, officials said on Tuesday.

In a statement, the Turkish General Staff said one soldier was martyred in Cukurca in the southeastern Hakkari province when he fell from a cliff in the midst of counter-terrorism operations.

“We wish mercy from God to the martyr and condolences to his family, the nation, and Turkish Armed Forces,” the statement said.

In another statement, the general staff said that in addition to neutralizing two PKK terrorists, four Kalashnikovs, an M-16, two bombs, 120 weapons cartridges, and a radio were also seized.

The military generally uses the term "neutralize" to signify that the targets either surrendered or were killed or captured.

The statement also said eight explosive devices were also destroyed.

Meanwhile, a PKK improvised explosive device martyred one soldier in Zihnitepe in the eastern province of Bitlis, the governor's office said in a statement late Tuesday.

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 death of some 40,000 people.