Turkish military kills 32 PKK terrorists in past week

By Ensar Balci

ANKARA

Thirty-two PKK terrorists were killed in a military offensive in eastern Turkey during the past week, the military said Thursday.

Operations were conducted in the eastern cities of Hakkari, and Mardin between Aug. 3 - 10, according to a statement from the Turkish General Staff.

The military destroyed firearms, bomb making material, small-arms ammunition, hand-made explosive devices and shelters used by terrorists.

The offensive also hit financial sources of the terrorist organization, seized hundreds of kilograms of illegal drugs and more than 5 million packets of contraband cigarettes.

The PKK, listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU, resumed its armed campaign against Turkey in July 2015.

Since then, it has been responsible for the deaths of some 1,200 Turkish security personnel and civilians, including women and children.