46 PKK killed, over 1,100 FETO held in 1 week in Turkey

ANKARA

More than 45 PKK terrorists were killed and over 1,100 Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) suspects were held during security operations over the last one week across Turkey, according to the Interior Ministry on Monday.

In a statement, the ministry said 46 PKK terrorists were killed and eight others were captured during counter-terrorism operations between May 22 and May 29 in Mus, Batman, Bingol, Sirnak, Hakkari, Diyarbakir, Elazig and Van provinces; 170 suspects were also arrested for aiding and abetting the PKK terror group.

Turkish forces also destroyed 11 PKK shelters and 11 improvised explosives and mines planted by the group.

Around 2,500 kilograms (5,512 pounds) of explosives material, 32 hand grenades and 3,200 ammunition rounds were also seized; 6,054 kilograms (13,347 pounds) of hashish, 377,273 package of smuggled cigarettes, over 103 tons of smuggled fuel and large quantity of opiate drugs were also recovered, it added.

The PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and EU -- resumed its armed campaign against Turkey in July 2015. Since then, it has been responsible for the deaths of around 1,200 people, including women and children.

The statement also said that 1,128 suspects had been held for FETO links.

FETO and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen are accused of orchestrating the defeated July 2016 coup, which left 250 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

Ankara has said FETO is also behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police and judiciary, and has also accused it of infiltrating other countries through educational institutions, among others.