Over 45 PKK terror suspects arrested in Turkey

By Halil Demir, Fecri Barlik and Nurettin Kilis

ISTANBUL / SIIRT, Turkey

At least 46 PKK-linked terror suspects were arrested in anti-terror operations in Turkey, security sources said on Thursday.

In the eastern Siirt-based anti-terror operations, 40 people were held for allegedly aiding and abetting the PKK terror group in five different provinces, a source said on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

Separately, at least six suspected members of the PKK terrorist group were arrested in Istanbul, another source said.

Arms and ammunition, and considerable amount of digital material were seized in the operation, it added.

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 more than 1,200 Turkish security personnel and civilians, including women and children.