10 Killed in Southeast Clashes

A major operation launched by Turkish security forces on the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in the southeast is focusing on the provinces of Sirnak, Hakkari, Siirt and Tunceli while the death toll of clashes between the two sides this week has reportedly reached 10.

Since Monday, 5 soldiers, 3 village guards and 2 PKK members were killed in clashes between security forces and PKK units in the Diyarbakir and Sirnak provinces. Five village guards were injured.

Meanwhile, an explosion as result of a mine laid by PKK militants in the rural area of Bingol's Genc district has wounded two soldiers.

According to a report by CNNTURK, military troops have reinforced measures at Turkey's southeast border stretch to prevent infiltration of PKK militants into the country. While new military equipment is being deployed to support existing troops, commando brigades from Bolu have been moved to the operation zone.

Analysts believe this is the most comprehensive operation launched by the Turkish Armed Forces in the recent years and that it focuses on striking a severe blow to the PKK organisation which is believed to be trying to recover and gather its forces. (KO/II/YE)