A gendarme martyred in NE Turkey

By Meltem Yilmaz

TRABZON, Turkey (AA) - A Turkish gendarme was martyred during an operation in the district of Macka of northeastern Trabzon province Tuesday, an official statement said.

The provincial governor's office said gendarmerie forces had conducted a preventive safety operation in Macka district against terrorists.

The gendarme had initially been wounded in clashes earlier Tuesday, said the statement. It did not specify who was involved.

The PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU -- resumed its armed campaign against Turkey in July 2015.

Since then, it has been responsible for the deaths of some 1,200 Turkish security personnel and civilians, including a number of women and children.