More than 20 terror suspects arrested across Turkey

By Sibel Ugurlu

ANKARA

At least 21 suspects were arrested Friday during anti-terror operations across Turkey, according to a security official and Turkish military.

In southeastern Sanliurfa province, a PKK terrorist was detained while attempting to illegally enter Turkey from Syria, the Turkish General Staff said on its website.

In central Kayseri province-based counter-terrorism operation, 10 Daesh terror suspects, including their co-called agriculture minister, were arrested, a security official, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on talking to the media, told Anadolu Agency.

Separately, 10 Iraqis were arrested during an anti-Daesh operation in the Black Sea province of Samsun.

More than 1,200 people, including security force personnel and civilians, have lost their lives since the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S., and EU -- resumed its decades-old armed campaign in July 2015.

Moreover, over 300 people have lost their lives in Daesh-claimed attacks in Turkey, where the terror organization has targeted civilians in suicide bomb, rocket and gun attacks.

Turkish security forces have been involved in a long-running campaign to thwart Daesh attacks.