Farewell bid to fallen corporal

ELAZIĞ - Doğan News Agency

A farewell ceremony was held in the Elazığ Corps Command in eastern Turkey for Corporal Uğur Saka, who lost his life May 9 after stepping on a landmine during an operation against militants of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).

Elazığ Governor Muammer Erol, Tunceli Governor Mustafa Taşkesen, Lt. Gen. Galip Mendi and other military and civilian officials attended the ceremony.

Corporal Saka’s body was then sent to his native Gaziantep in southeastern Turkey by army helicopter. His funeral will be held tomorrow.

Corporal Saka, 23, died after stepping on a landmine in the vicinity of Alacık village in the eastern province of Tunceli during an operation by security forces against PKK militants.

Three soldiers were killed in clashes with alleged members of the PKK in the eastern province of Tunceli on May 4.

The PKK is recognized as a terrorist group by Turkey, the European Union and the United States.