Turkey: Over 500 arrested in anti-terror operations

By Sertac Bulur

ANKARA (AA) – At least 543 suspected members of terrorist Daesh and PKK/KCK groups have been arrested during Turkish forces’ operations across Turkey, the Interior Ministry said on Thursday.

In a statement, the ministry said 412 people were held over their alleged links to PKK/KCK on Wednesday during raids in 21 provinces.

The PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S., and the EU. During its over 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, more than 40,000 people have lost their lives.

Since PKK resumed its armed campaign in July 2015, more than 1,200 people, including security personnel and civilians, have lost their lives.

The statement added that 131 people were arrested over their alleged ties to the terror group Daesh during operations in 13 provinces between April 6 and 12.