Turkey: 22 YPG/PKK-linked terror suspects arrested

DIYARBAKIR, Turkey

Turkish security forces on Thursday arrested 22 people for their suspected links to YPG/PKK terrorist organization in the country’s southeast.

The arrests came after prosecutors in Diyarbakir province issued warrants for suspects, said a source who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

The suspects were caught in a counter-terrorism operation in Kayapinar district.

Over 270 kilograms (595 pounds) of explosives, a huge cache of arms and ammunition, and other materials were also seized during the operation.

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

*Writing by Erdogan Cagatay Zontur