By Ekrem Payan

SIRNAK, Turkey

Two Turkish soldiers were martyred and five others injured in an attack by the PKK terrorist organization in southeastern Sirnak province, a security source said on Sunday.

The incident took place when a handmade explosive device -- planted by PKK -- went off during an operation in the rural area of Gormec in Gabar Mountain region, said the source, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

The wounded soldiers were transferred to the Sirnak State Hospital.

The PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU -- has been responsible for the death of some 40,000 people, including women and children, in its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey.