At least 5 PKK terrorists killed in eastern, SE Turkey

By Burcu Calik and Hasan Namli

ANKARA/DIYARBAKIR, Turkey (AA) - Turkish security forces killed at least five PKK terrorists in eastern and southeastern Turkey, the military and security sources said Saturday.

In a statement, Turkish Armed Forces said at least four terrorists, who were plotting a terrorist attack in Baskale district of Van province, were killed in an air operation in the district in the early hours of Saturday.

Separately, another PKK terrorist was killed in an encounter with security forces in Hani district of Diyarbakir province, a gendarmerie source said on condition of anonymity due to restrictions over speaking to the media.

The gendarmes also seized one M16 rifle, two hand grenades and a walkie-talkie in the operation, the source added.

More than 1,200 people, including members of security forces 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.