One soldier dies in coordinated PKK attacks in southeastern Turkey

HAKKARİ - Doğan News Agency (DHA)

DHA file photo

One Turkish soldier was killed after suspected militants from the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) launched coordinated attacks on two separate battalion headquarters in the eastern province of Hakkari today. 
 
Militants attacked the Omurlu 2nd border battalion near Omurlu village in Hakkari's Şemdinli province with rocket-propelled grenades (RPG), mortars and assault rifles at around 3 p.m.
 
The Derecik gendarmerie battalion headquarters, located 10 kilometers away from the Omurlu border battalion, came under fire from assault rifles at the same time. 
 
Clashes erupted in both locations as Turkish soldiers returned fire. Numerous helicopters and gunships were dispatched from bases in Yüksekova and Şemdinli to the clash zones. 

One soldier was reportedly killed at the Omurlu 2nd border battalion.
 
Meanwhile, police detained four people carrying explosive devices after stopping their vehicle at a police checkpoint in Hakkari's Yüksekova district.
 
Detonation triggers and batteries were seized from the suspects, according to reports.
 
The suspects were taken to district's police station for questioning.
 
The PKK is recognized as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States and the European Union.