'2 PKK/PYD terrorists' killed in southeastern Turkey

By Sarp Ozer

ANKARA (AA) – Security forces killed two PKK/PYD terrorists in southeastern Turkey’s Mardin province Monday, Turkish military announced Tuesday.

In a statement made on its official website, Turksih General Staff said the terrorists had been trying to cross into Turkey from Syrian border but they were intercepted in the province’s Kiziltepe district.

It added that an operation was also carried out in Mardin, Sirnak and Tunceli provinces Monday.

An improvised explosive made by using 200 kilograms (441 pounds) of ammonium nitrate was destroyed in Sirnak’s Silopi district, it said.

A large cache of weapons and detonators along with an improvised explosive device were seized from the town center as well, it added.

Additionally, an improvised explosive along with 24 kilograms (53 pounds) of ammonium nitrate and 800 kilograms (1,764) of food and various equipment were found during a search operation in Tunceli’s Hozat district.

A huge amount of medical and other various types of equipment were also seized from a shelter in Tunceli’s Ovacik district.

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 armed campaign in July 2015. The civilian casualties include several women and children.