7 PKK/KCK, FETO suspects arrested in SE Turkey

By Fecri Barlik

SIRNAK, Turkey (AA) - At least seven suspects were arrested in southeastern Turkey during ongoing operations against the terrorist organizations PKK/KCK and FETO/PDY -- the group behind the 2016 defeated coup attempt.

The operations were held on Aug. 24-30 in the southeastern Sirnak province of Turkey, said the provincial governorate in a statement.

Also, two PKK/KCK terrorists surrendered after being persuaded by the security forces, it added.

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US, and EU -- has been responsible for the deaths of some 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants.

FETO and its US-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the July 15, 2016 defeated coup in Turkey which martyred 251 people and injured nearly 2,200.

Ankara also accuses FETO of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.

*Writing by Havva Kara Aydin in Ankara