One soldier killed, 2 injured in clashes in Turkey's east

ISTANBUL

DHA photo

A non-commissioned officer was killed and two others were wounded in a clash with the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in the eastern province of Muş, broadcaster CNNTürk reported today.
 
A squadron of soldiers was patrolling the area near Karakütük village in the province's Hasköy district when they came in contact with PKK militants, resulting in a clash.
 
Gendarmerie non-commissioned officer and outpost commander Mehmet Çapal, who was leading in front of the soldiers, was hit and severely injured in the initial moments of the clash.
 
Reinforcements were sent in with Black Hawk helicopters from garrisons in Muş and Bitlis as clashes continued. Çapal was taken from the fire zone with one of the helicopters and taken to Muş State Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. Two other soldiers were also injured in the firefight.
 
Special forces and soldiers were dispatched to the location after the clashes ended.
 
Çapal, 40, was married and had two children.
 
The PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States and the European Union.