A large-scale operation against the PKK was carried out after a curfew was announced in some neighborhoods in Diyarbakir’s Central Sur and Yenisehir districts. (Anadolu Agency)
Turkish authorities have launched new “anti-terror” operations against the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) in the eastern and southeastern region.
On September 1, Turkish authorities launched “Operation Lightning-8″ in order to end the PKK presence in the southeastern Turkish city of Mardin.
The Turkish Ministry of Interior revealed in a statement that 38 members of the PKK were killed and 22 collaborators were arrested during the operation.
According to the statement, 80 caves, shelters, and depots were destroyed. A large number of arms, ammunition, and other supplies were also seized during the operation.
Turkish authorities launched a second operation, dubbed “Operation Lightning-9,” in the eastern cities of Mus and Bingol.
The Ministry of Interior said 1,022 security personnel, including Gendarmerie Special Operations forces, police, and security guards, were taking part in the anti-terror operation.
Turkey launches operations against the PKK on a regular basis. The Kurdish group, which maintain strongholds in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region and northeastern Syria, is designated as a terrorist group by Ankara, NATO and the U.S.
