Over 2 tons of explosives seized in SE Turkey

By Hasan Namli

DIYARBAKIR, Turkey

Turkish security forces seized 2.8 tons of explosives and ammunition during counter-terror operations against PKK terrorists in southeastern Diyarbakir province, the local governor's office said Sunday.

An operation was held in Kulp district's Alaca village, the Diyarbakir Governor's Office said in a statement.

It began at at 06.00 a.m. local time (0300 GMT) and ended on the same day on 06.00 p.m. local time (1500 GMT), the statement added.

As part of the operation, 10 Kalashnikov rifles, one rocket launcher, 1,500 Kalashnikov rifle cartridge and 4,700 PK machine-made rifle ammunition, hidden inside canisters in bunkers, were seized in three different areas.

The statement added that 10 anti-personnel rocket launcher ammunition, 15 anti-tank rocket launcher ammunition, M15 anti-tank mine, 25 rocket launcher propelling cartridges, 10 grenades, and 2.8 tons of explosives in 66 bags were seized by the security forces.

A vehicle radio and 300 meters of cable were also seized during the operation.

The grenades, explosives and other materials were destroyed on the site.

The PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey as well as the U.S. and the EU.

Reporting by Hasan Namli; Writing by Merve Aydogan