US condemns terrorist attack in southeast Turkey

By Satuk Bugra Kutlugun

ANKARA (AA) - United States' Embassy in Ankara condemned a PKK terrorist attack in Turkey's southeastern Batman province that martyred 7 soldiers Thursday.

The embassy condemned the attack and offered condolences to the martyrs' families.

"PKK terrorists should end their acts. We stand with Turkey in the fight against terrorism," the embassy said in a Twitter post.

Seven Turkish soldiers were martyred and two others wounded in a PKK terrorist attack on Thursday in southeastern Batman province, according to local sources.

In a statement, the Batman Governor’s Office said four soldiers were martyred, five others wounded in the rural area of Gercus district.

The terrorists detonated an improvised explosive as an armored military vehicle passed by.

Later, three soldiers succumbed to their wounds at the Batman Regional State Hospital, said a health officer, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

Two wounded soldiers were undergoing treatment, the source added.

An operation was launched in the area to nab the terrorists.

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU -- has been responsible for the death of some 40,000 people, including women and children.