'8 PKK/PYD' terrorism suspects held in southeast Turkey

By Zuhal Kocalar

GAZIANTEP, Turkey (AA) - Police detained eight PKK/PYD suspects, including two Syrian nationals during an anti-terrorism operation in southeastern Turkey on Tuesday, according to a regional governor's office.

In a statement, Gaziantep Governor's Office said the suspects were apprehended during a joint operation carried out by the National Intelligence Organization (MIT) and police in southeastern Gaziantep and Sanliurfa provinces.

Some suspects were accused of planning to bomb various key locations inside Turkey, especially in big cities.

A total of 146 kilograms (around 320 pounds) of explosives were seized along with four documents layout out instructions on how to make bombs.

Also, 4,862,000 Turkish liras (around $1.38 million) worth of gold and money in various currencies were also found.

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.