Two soldiers, 13 militants killed as army launches 'Autumn clean-up' against PKK

HAKKARİ

DHA photo

Two Turkish soldiers were killed and four were injured in clashes with militants from the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in the eastern province of Hakkari today.

A squadron of soldiers taking part in a military operation in Kazan Valley in Hakkari's Çukurca district came in contact with PKK militants this morning, resulting in a firefight.

Specialist Cpl. Hayrullah Engizek, 23, and an unidentified soldier were killed in the clashes according to while 13 PKK militants were killed in the ongoing clashes near Çukurca.

The soldiers were part of a large-scale military operation launched by Turkish Armed forces, called "Autumn clean-up." A convoy of armored personnel carriers had left the Gendarmerie Commando Battalion in Çukurca, transporting soldiers to Kazan Valley on Turkey's border with Iraq.

A landmine was detonated, meanwhile, near city center of the eastern province of Şırnak during the passage of a military vehicle yesterday night. Two specialist sergeants were injured in the explosion.

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