ANKARA

A Turkish soldier who was wounded in southeastern Hakkari province by an improvised explosive succumbed to his injuries Saturday, according to the country's National Defense Ministry. 

The soldier who was heavily wounded in an attack by PKK terrorists in Cukurca district was martyred despite the efforts to save his life at the hospital, the ministry said in a statement.

Operations are ongoing in the region against the PKK, which is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey as well as the U.S. and European Union.

In its terror campaign against Turkey, which has lasted for more than three decades, over 40,000 people have been killed, including women, children and infants.

*Writing by Gozde Bayar