By Fecri Barlik

SIIRT, Turkey

Turkey began exploring for oil in a mountainous region in the southeastern Siirt province after the area has been cleared of members of the terrorist PKK group.

"We will drill 1,500 meters below surface in 2 months," said Edip Muyesseroglu, deputy director general of the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO).  

The drill on Mt. Herekol in Pervari, Siirt, is part of TPAO's 10-year exploration project in the region, Siirt Governor Ali Fuat Atik said during a visit to the oil drilling site.

"Resources in the region, which is now cleared from the terrorist organization, will be utilized to contribute to the economy," Atik said.

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 many women and children.