Turkish soldier martyred in clash with PKK terrorists

By Sitki Yildiz

VAN, Turkey (AA) - One Turkish soldier was martyred and two others slightly wounded during a counterterrorism operation in the eastern province of Van, the governor's office said Sunday.

Three PKK terrorists were also killed during the operation launched by the local gendarmerie in a rural area of Baskale district, a statement said.

Operations against the PKK --- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and EU -- have been carried out regularly since July 2015, when the terrorist group resumed its armed campaign.

Since then, it has been responsible for the deaths of around 1,200 Turkish security personnel and civilians including women and children.