BATMAN, Turkey

Turkish police rounded up at least 11 people in the southeastern Batman province for their alleged links to the PKK terrorist group.

According to a statement by Batman police, the suspects are accused of promoting the PKK by chanting slogans praising the terror group.

During the search at the suspects' residences, a large volume of organizational documents, an air gun and an AK-47 assault rifle were also confiscated. The operation to nab two fugitive suspects continue, the press release added.

In its more than 35-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US, and the EU – has been responsible for the deaths of 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants.

*Writing by Ahmet Gencturk in Ankara