Turkish forces kill 54 PKK terrorists in 2 days

VAN, Turkey

The Turkish security forces killed 54 PKK terrorists in the last two days during counter-terror operations in eastern and southeastern Turkey.

The operations were conducted in the eastern province of Tunceli and southeastern provinces of Sirnak, and Hakkari, according to reports compiled by Anadolu Agency.

The operations were backed by drones.

During an operation in Nazimiye district of Tunceli, 8 PKK terrorists -- including three women -- were killed, while one other was detained, the local governor’s office said.

In Sirnak, 11 PKK terrorists were killed, according to a military statement.

Also, one PKK terrorist was killed in Diyarbakir’s Kayapinar district, the statement added.

In Hakkari’s Semdinli district, 34 PKK terrorists were killed as they attempted to flee northern Iraq, the Interior Ministry said in a statement.

Four rocket launchers and 10 hand grenades were also seized during the same operation.

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 more than 1,200 Turkish security personnel and civilians.

Reporting by Cemal by Cansu Dikme