5 soldiers killed in clashes in SE

HAKKARI - Doğan News Agency

Operations in southeastern province of Hakkari’s Şemdinli district are reported to be continuing. AA photo

Five soldiers were killed and one was left wounded in clashes with suspected members of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) in the eastern province of Hakkari.

Four PKK militants were also killed and four others captured in the clashes in the province’s Şemdinli  district.

Clashes occurred when military forces encountered militants during an operation conducted in a rural area of Şemdinli.

“Four soldiers and one helicopter technician were killed in the clashes. I give my condolences to the families. We wish for the deaths of our soldiers to end soon,” Deputy Prime Minister Bülent Arınç said yesterday.

Reinforcements have been dispatched to the region and operations are reported to be continuing.
The funeral ceremonies of the five soldiers will be held today in their hometowns.

The PKK is considered a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU.