Turkish security forces launched one of the largest "counterterrorism" operations in recent years in Kurdish-dominated southeastern Turkey last night, targeting the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), authorities said.
About 7.000 gendarmes, 600 selected police officers, as well as dozens of helicopters and armored vehicles have been mobilized for the attack in Lice, Diyarbakir province, security sources told AFP.
In addition, 18 villages were severely restricted until further notice, the governor of Diyarbakir province said in a statement.
The operation aims to "neutralize PKK members and accomplices, including officials suspected of operating in forest and mountain areas," the statement said.
The new attack by security forces comes just weeks before a referendum to revise the constitution that would strengthen the powers of Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The latter is accused by his critics of authoritarian deviation, especially after the failed coup attempt in July, which was followed by persecution that also affected pro-Kurdish circles.
The country's main pro-Kurdish party, the HDP, was decimated by the arrest of its leaders and many MPs. HDP MP Alican Onlu was arrested today in Tunceli (eastern Turkey) while on his way to court to attend a trial, according to media reports.
Source: newsbeast.gr