Over 60 terrorist targets destroyed in Turkey

By Mehmet Tosun

ANKARA (AA) - Turkish military on Monday asserted determination to continue its ongoing counter-terror operations within the country.

In a statement issued on Monday, Turkish General Staff said 16 terrorists have been "neutralized" in operations held between Feb. 3-11 against PKK terrorist group’s targets and its routes in Turkey's southeastern Diyarbakir and Hatay provinces and northern Iraq region.

"8 infantry rifles, 16 light weapons -- including 8 RPG-7 launchers -- 682 kilograms of ammonium nitrate, 7.5 kilograms of demolition block, 14 pieces of RPG-7 rocket launcher propelling cartridges, 3 igniters, 13 hand grenades, 3 pieces pf 82-mm mortar ammunition, 5325 variety of kinds and lengths of light weapon ammunition... were seized" during the operations against PKK terrorist targets added the statement.

A total of 15 recovered improvised explosive devices; 64 weapon pits, shelters, caves and depots used by the terrorists were destroyed in the operations.

Two Turkish soldiers were martyred during the operations.

The PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey as well as the U.S. and the EU. In its terror campaign against Turkey, which has lasted for more than three decades, over 40,000 people have been killed.

Airstrikes on PKK targets in southeast Turkey and northern Iraq, where the terror group has its main base in the Qandil region near the Iranian border, have been carried out regularly since July 2015, when the PKK resumed its armed campaign.

Since the group resumed its armed campaign in July 2015, more than 1,200 people, including security forces personnel and civilians, have lost their lives.