Turkish government reacts to the PKK attacks in SE Turkey

ISTANBUL

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Suspected members of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) have launched a campaign of “reckless” attacks, Turkish President Abdullah Gül said today following deadly raids on Turkish troops in the eastern province of Hakkari, daily Hürriyet has reported.

"The terror organization has embarked on a reckless plan in Ramadan. Our security forces have begun fighting by taking precautionary measures to avoid giving any chances [to the PKK]," Gül wrote on his Twitter account. Gül also expressed condolences to the families of soldiers killed late last night.

Six soldiers and two village guards were killed in the eastern province late last night.

"Those who are resorting to violence should return from the wrong path they find themselves on," the president said.

Deputy Prime Minister Beşir Atalay also noted his hopes of solving Turkey's terror problem during the term of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) while expressing his sadness over the incidents.

"Of course, we are sorry, but this is an ongoing battle," Atalay said. "You know our fight against terrorism as the government, as Republic of Turkey. We do not neglect anything in terms of security and give every kind of support and authority to the security forces in the fight against terrorism."

The government and security forces were continuing to fight against terrorism with determination, Deputy Prime Minister Bülent Arınç said.

"Unfortunately, clashes are occasionally continuing in some regions of Hakkari's Şemdinli district. The PKK continues with its assaults and violence. Our soldiers are heroically fighting against [them]," Arınç said. “I send my condolences to Turkey and hope for patience for the families [of the dead soldiers].”