2 PKK terrorists neutralized in southeastern Turkey

By Ahmet Sertan Usul and Muhammed Ali Toruntay

ANKARA (AA) - Two PKK terrorists were neutralized and a Turkish soldier was martyred during a counter-terrorism operation in southeastern Turkey, the military said on Tuesday.

In a statement on its official website, the Turkish General Staff said four Kalashnikovs, a M-16, two bombs, 120 cartridges, a radio and lots of daily use materials were seized in the operation.

The statement also said eight explosive devices were also destroyed.

In another statement, the Turkish General Staff said a Turkish soldier was also martyred in southeastern Hakkari province's Cukurca district.

The soldier lost his life when he fell from a cliff while conducting counter-terrorism operation in the area.

“We wish mercy from God to the martyr and condolences to his family, the nation, and Turkish Armed Forces,” the statement said.

The PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU -- waged a terror campaign against Turkey for more than 30 years and has been responsible for the death of nearly 40,000 people.

More than 1,200 people, including security force personnel and civilians, have lost their lives since the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S., and EU -- resumed its decades-old acts of terror in July 2015.