213 PKK suspects detained in anti-terror operations last week

A total of 213 PKK terrorists were detained in anti-terror operations between July 17 and 24, according to a written statement released by the Interior Ministry Monday.

Police squads, gendarmerie units, and the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) conducted 1,119 counter-terror operations against the PKK terrorist organization, during which 26 terrorists were killed, 3 were captured alive and 14 others surrendered.

A total of 33 heavy and long barrel weapons, numerous explosives, thousands of pieces of ammunition, and 18 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) were seized and 12 shelters and caves used by the terrorist organization were destroyed, the statement elaborated.

As part of the operations carried out against foreign terrorists, some 46 Daesh terrorist suspects and 831 people with suspected links to the Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ) were detained, the statement added.

As part of the fight against irregular migration, 2,059 illegal immigrants, including 229 on sea, and 43 organizers were captured.

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.