55 PKK terrorists killed in anti-terror operations last week

A total of 55 PKK terrorists, including a high-ranking member, were killed in anti-terror operations carried out in southeastern and eastern Turkey between July 20 and 27, the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) said Friday in a written statement.

Numerous weapons and thousands of pieces of ammunition were seized during the counter-terrorism operations, while 45 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) were destroyed by explosive ordnance teams, the statement elaborated.

A total of 18 shelters, caves and depots used by the terrorist organization were also destroyed, the statement added.

During clashes between the PKK terrorists and Turkish forces, one soldier was killed and six others injured. The injured soldiers were brought to nearby hospitals for medical treatment, the statement said.

In a separate statement on Friday, the TSK said that four other PKK terrorists, who were planning to launch an attack on Turkish border posts, were killed Thursday in air-supported counter terrorism operations carried out in northern Iraq's Avaşin-Basyan and Zap regions.

The Turkish airstrikes also destroyed seven shelters, four weapon pits, 11 caves and two Dochka anti-aircraft guns, the statement said.

Founded in 1978, the PKK has waged a decades-long bloody campaign against Turkey.

The PKK, which is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU, resumed its armed campaign in July 2015 after a brief reconciliation period.

Since that time, the PKK has been responsible for the deaths of some 1,200 security personnel and civilians, including women and children, while more than 4,000 security personnel and over 2,000 civilians have been injured.