UPDATE - Nearly 60 PKK suspects arrested in Turkey

UPDATES WITH MORE ARRESTS; CHANGES HEADLINE, DECK

By Necat Hazar

VAN, Turkey (AA) - Turkish security forces arrested a total of 59 PKK suspects during an anti-terror operations across Turkey.

In southeastern Van province, four PKK terrorists were arrested in the Gurpinar district, according to the governor’s office Wednesday.

A hunting rifle, 24 cartridges, five mobile phones and sim cards were also seized during the operation.

In western Izmir province, 55 PKK suspects were arrested during simultaneous raids after province’s Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office issued arrest warrants.

Among the suspects, who are accused of spreading terrorist propaganda, was Menemen district head of Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP).

The PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S., and the EU. It has waged a terror campaign against Turkey for more than 30 years, during which more than 40,000 people have been killed.

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