Turkish forces kill 93 PKK terrorists in one week

By Yildiz Nevin Gundogmus and Nevzat Tas

ANKARA

Security forces killed 93 PKK terrorists last week in the southeastern part of the country, the Turkish General Staff said in a statement released on Friday.

The terrorists, including three leaders, were killed in Beytussebap and central districts of Sirnak province, Yuksekova and Cukurca districts of Hakkari province, and Pervari district of Siirt province.

During the counter-terrorism operation, from June 29 to July 6, four soldiers were martyred and 10 injured.

The forces also destroyed 22 PKK shelters, ammunition depots and 53 improvised explosives.

Modern weapons including an anti-aircraft gun and sniper rifles were seized by security officials.

Contraband recovered by officials included 60 kilogram (132 pounds) of powdered hashish and 90,630 packets of smuggled cigarettes.

Also on Friday, two PKK terrorists were killed during an operation in Ceylanli village of Hakkari province, the local governor’s office said in a statement.

Modern weapons including an AK-47 rifle and day-and-night vision glasses were seized by the forces.

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