MARDIN, Turkey 

Turkish security forces on Wednesday seized a large number of explosives and ammunition stored by PKK terrorists in the country's east and southeast, according to security sources.

In the southeastern Turkish province of Mardin, Gendarmerie forces and the National Intelligence Organization (MIT) launched an operation in a rural area of the Guzelsu district to locate storage and shelter areas used by the terrorist group, said a source, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

Three fused propane cylinders, 15 kilograms (33 pounds) of ammonium nitrate, cables, and batteries were confiscated during the operation.

In another operation carried out by Gendarmerie forces in the eastern Turkish province of Van, the forces seized a large number of explosive material and ammunition.

In the operation, 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) of C4 plastic explosives, 7 hand-grenades, three anti-tank rocket launcher ammunition, night vision binoculars, 4 hand-held radios and some cartridges were seized.

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US, and EU – has been responsible for the deaths of over 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants.

* Writing by Erdogan Cagatay Zontur in Ankara