MARDIN, Turkey

Turkish security forces arrested 26 people over their alleged links to the PKK/KCK terror group, authorities said on Saturday.

According to a statement by the provincial police directorate in the southeastern Mardin province, the suspects were arrested in operations coordinated by anti-terrorism, intelligence and special force units.

The operations were held in Mardin, Istanbul, Bursa, Sanliurfa and Antalya provinces, the statement 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 Ali Murat Alhas