At least 5 PKK terrorists killed in eastern, SE Turkey

By Burcu Calik and Hasan Namli

ANKARA/DIYARBAKIR, Turkey

Turkish security forces killed at least five PKK terrorists in eastern and southeastern Turkey, the military and security sources said Saturday.

In a statement, Turkish Armed Forces said at least four terrorists, who were plotting a terrorist attack in Baskale district of Van province, were killed in an air operation in the district in the early hours of Saturday.

In the operation, military seized four guns, a rocket launcher, eight hand grenades and ammunition, including other documents allegedly belonging to the PKK.

According to a statement from the Interior Ministry, the terrorists were suspected of being involved in the killing of ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party's Ozalp district deputy head Aydin Mustu in October 2016.

They were also among the suspects for the killing of Mustu’s successor Aydin Ahi last month, the statement said.

Separately, another PKK terrorist was killed in an encounter with security forces in Hani district of Diyarbakir province, a gendarmerie source said on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

The gendarmes also seized one M16 rifle, two hand grenades and a walkie-talkie in the operation, the source added.

More than 1,200 people, including members of security forces and civilians, have lost their lives since the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S., and EU -- resumed its decades-old armed campaign in July 2015.