Curfew declared in four districts in SE Turkey province

DIYARBAKIR, Turkey

Curfews were imposed in more than 40 villages in southeastern province of Diyarbakir early Tuesday as part of a security operation against the PKK terrorist group, the governor's office said.

The curfews in 43 villages in Lice, Hani, Kocakoy and Dicle districts started at 7.00 a.m. local time (0400GMT), and will remain in place until further notice, according to a statement.

Security forces will conduct an operation in the rural areas in order to "neutralize" PKK terrorists including senior members and their collaborators operating in the region, the statement said.

The operation also aims to destroy terrorists' bunkers, arms depots, and anti-aircraft gun emplacements, as well as seize their weapons and ammunition.

Meanwhile, curfews were lifted in almost 60 other villages in the same districts as of 7.00 a.m. Tuesday, the statement added. The curfews were declared on Sunday.

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.

Reporting by Hasan Namli;Writing by Sibel Ugurlu