Soldier killed, another injured in eastern Türkiye blast

By Aykut Karadag

ANKARA (AA) – A Turkish gendarmerie soldier was killed and another injured during an ongoing anti-terrorism operation in the eastern province of Van, the Interior Ministry said on Monday.

The casualties occurred in an IED explosion in Van’s Catak district at around 3.30 a.m. local time (0030GMT), according to a ministry statement.

“We wish God’s mercy on our martyred personnel, our condolences to their families and relatives, and a speedy recovery to our injured personnel,” the statement added.

Turkish forces are engaged in the area as part of the anti-terrorism Operation Eren Abluka-22.

Türkiye launched the Eren operations last year, named after Eren Bulbul, a 15-year-old boy killed by PKK terrorists in August 2017.

In its more than 35-year terror campaign against Türkiye, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the US and EU – has been responsible for the deaths of over 40,000 people, including women, children and infants.

*Writing by Gozde Bayar