VAN, Turkey

Security forces seized weapons and ammunition stored by PKK terrorists, the provincial governor's office in the eastern Van province said on Tuesday.

According to a statement, gendarmerie forces of Van province launched an operation in a rural area of the Baskale district to locate storages and shelters used by the terror group.

A rifle, two hand grenades, and bullets were confiscated during the operation.

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US, and EU -- has been responsible for the deaths of over 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants. The YPG is the PKK’s Syrian offshoot.

* Writing by Ali Murat Alhas in Ankara