Turkey launches fresh anti-terror operation to 'neutralize' PKK terrorists

450 gendarmerie staff, including special forces, to serve in Operation Eren Winter-12 in Van province, says statement

By Seda Sevencan

ISTANBUL (AA) - Turkish forces launched a new anti-terrorism operation in the eastern province of Van, the country's Interior Ministry announced on Wednesday.

The ministry said in a statement that Operation Eren Winter-12 Tendurek Martyr Gendarmerie Senior Major Kivanc Cesur involves 450 security personnel and 41 operational teams from the gendarmerie, including special forces.

Major Cesur was a district gendarmerie commander in Van and one of six Turkish soldiers killed in a 2016 roadside bomb attack in the province.

This year, Turkey initiated Operations Eren, named after Eren Bulbul, a 15-year-old boy killed by the terrorist group on Aug. 11, 2017.

The latest action is aimed at eliminating PKK terrorists hiding out in the region.

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

Kaynak:

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