2 soldiers martyred in PKK terror attack in SE Turkey

By Hasan Namli

DIYARBAKIR, Turkey

At least two soldiers were martyred and two others injured in an attack by PKK terrorist organization in the southeastern province of Diyarbakir, according to a military source late on Tuesday.

The source, who spoke on condition of confidentiality due to restrictions on talking to the media, told Anadolu Agency that PKK terrorists opened fire with long-barreled weapons on Turkish soldiers during an anti-terror operation in the rural area surrounding Lice and Kulp districts.

One soldier was martyred at the scene while the other succumbed to his wounds at Diyarbakir Military Hospital, the source added.

An operation to arrest the PKK terrorists remains underway in the region.

The PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization also by the U.S. and the EU -- resumed its 30-year armed campaign against the Turkish state in July 2015.

Since then, over 600 security personnel, including troops, police officers and village guards have been martyred and more than 7,000 PKK terrorists killed or neutralized in operations across Turkey and northern Iraq.

*Sibel Ugurlu contributed to this story from Ankara.