Russian air defense missile found in SE Turkey

SA-16 surface-to-air missile located in a cave used by PKK terrorists in Sirnak province

By Kemal Karadag

ANKARA (AA) - A Russian-made air defense missile has been seized by Turkish security forces during the ongoing anti-terror operations in southeastern Sirnak province, the Interior Ministry announced Wednesday.

The SA-16 man-portable surface-to-air missile was found in a 500-meter (1,640-feet) deep cave used by the PKK terrorists in Bestler-Dereler region of Uludere district, the statement said.

It added that 29 PKK terrorists had been killed in the first phase of the operation carried out in the region between April 19 and 30.

The second phase started with an air operation on Monday.

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.

Kaynak: