PKK attacker on Turkish opposition convoy identified

By Cuneyt Celik

KARS, Turkey (AA) - A PKK terrorist killed in Aug. 31 anti-terror operation was identified as attacker on Turkey's main opposition leader's convoy last year, security sources said Saturday.

The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on talking to the media, said the terrorist was identified as Goksel Tiryaki.

Tiryaki was among a total of five PKK terrorists killed by Turkish forces on Aug. 31 in Kagizman district of northeastern Kars province in an air-supported operation.

Turkish main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu's convoy came under attack by PKK terrorists on Aug. 25 last year in Ardanuc district of northeastern Artvin province.

The PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and EU -- resumed its armed campaign against Turkey in July 2015. Since then, it has been responsible for the deaths of more than 1,200 Turkish security personnel and civilians.