Security forces stage anti-PKK operations in Turkey, northern Iraq

The Turkish military conducted air operations early on May 23 targeting PKK positions in northern Iraq.
Turkish jets conducted an air operation in the Metina region between 16.28 p.m. and 17.34 p.m. after evaluating intelligence, according to security sources.

Five targets, including weapon positions and sanctuaries belonging to the PKK were destroyed in the operation. 

Meanwhile, one soldier, who was wounded in operations in the southeastern province of Şırnak succumbed to his injuries early on May 23 at the Gülhane Military Hospital (GATA) in the capital Ankara. 

Specialized Sergeant Selçuk Beki was heavily wounded during operations in Şırnak on May 12 and eventually succumbed to his injuries early on May 22, the General Staff said in a statement issued on its website.

In addition, counter-terrorism police detained 12 suspects in the Ceylan district of the southern province of Adana for alleged links to PKK. Four cell phones, one shotgun, one blank cartridge pistol and organizational documents were also seized in the operation.

The Mardin Governor’s Office also announced that a total of 403 PKK militants have been killed in operations in the Nusaybin district that have been ongoing since March 14. Another 414 PKK militants have so far been killed in Şırnak, the Turkish General Staff announced.

In addition, 17 suspects, including the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) district co-chair Yusuf Makal, were detained on May 23 during anti-PKK operations in the Pertek district of the eastern province of Tunceli.

Gendarmerie and police forces conducted simultaneous operations in the district center and the village of Ardıç. 

Police also seized computer records in the HDP’s district building.

In a separate operation, 500 kilograms of explosives were also seized in the eastern province of Iğdır on May 22.

Security forces found the explosives trapped in propane cylinders and reinforced with material ready to be detonated. The explosives were later disposed in a controlled detonation in a rural area in the province.