Four policemen injured amid unrest in SE Turkey

DIYARBAKIR, Turkey

Four policemen were injured during unauthorized protests in Turkey's southeastern Diyarbakir province, security sources said on Thursday.

According to the security sources, around 200 protesters held an unauthorized demonstration, threw hand-made explosives and stun grenades at police in Diyarbakir's Sur district.

The incident took place when a group of non-governmental organizations gathered outside the Diyarbakir Municipality building. The group then wanted to pass Sur which is under curfew. But, the police did not allow them to go to Sur.

According to police, when the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) co-chair Figen Yuksekdag was making a press statement, a handmade explosive was thrown at police,

Police then responded with tear gas and water cannons. Some protestors were taken into custody.

An anti-terrorist operation has been ongoing in the southeastern provinces of Diyarbakir, Sirnak and Mardin since mid-December, with curfews declared to fight the terrorists nested in houses abandoned by many citizens.