UPDATE - 3 PKK terrorists killed in southeast Turkey operation

UPDATES WITH REMAND OF SUSPECTS

By Hasan Namli

DIYARBAKIR, Turkey (AA) - At least three PKK terrorists have been killed during an anti-terror operation in southeastern Diyarbakir province, according to the governor's office Friday.

In a statement, the office said the operation, which started on Nov. 28, targeted a shelter of the terrorist organization in Kulp district of the province.

Three Kalashnikov rifles, 14 jerry cans loaded with guns and ammunition, scores of documents and tools were also seized, the statement said.

A total of 3.1 tons of hashish was also seized from Lice, Kocakoy and Hazro districts, the statement added.

Additionally, 16 of 35 suspects, who were detained on Nov. 23 in a counter-terrorism operation in Turkey’s eastern province of Van, have been remanded in custody for their alleged links to the PKK group, a judicial official said.

The other 19 suspects were released, said the official, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on talking to the media.

In its more than three-decade terror campaign against Turkey, more than 40,000 people, including women and children have been killed.

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

* Ozkan Bilgin in Van contributed to this story.