UPDATE - Soldier martyred in anti-PKK operation in SE Turkey

UPDATES WITH AIRSTRIKES CARRIED OUT BY TURKISH MILITARY

By Ferdi Turkten

HAKKARI, Turkey (AA) – A soldier was martyred and 20 terrorists were killed during an anti-PKK operation in southeastern Turkey’s Hakkari province late Thursday, a military source told Anadolu Agency Friday.

Six other soldiers were also injured during the air-and-ground operation in the province’s Cukurca district, the source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, added.

The injured soldiers were taken to the Hakkari State Hospital.

Later, the Turkish General Staff said in a statement that warplanes carried out three airstrikes in a rural area of Cukurca between 8.30 a.m. (0530GMT) and 2.20 p.m. (1120GMT).

According to the statement, one PKK terrorist was killed and five Dochka [anti-aircraft gun] positions plus two PKK hideouts were destroyed in the airstrikes.

The operation in the region remains ongoing, the source added.

The PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization also by the U.S. and EU -- resumed its 30-year armed campaign against the Turkish state in July 2015. Since then, more than 600 security personnel have been martyred and more than 7,000 PKK terrorists killed.