Turkish soldier succumbs to wounds from IED explosion in eastern Türkiye

By Zehra Nur Duz

ANKARA (AA) – A Turkish soldier who was wounded in an explosion of an improvised explosive device (IED) in eastern Türkiye succumbed to his injuries, the Turkish National Defense Ministry said Saturday.

The explosion of the IED planted by members of the “separatist terrorist group” in the Baskale district of Van severely injured Samet Bektas, the ministry said in a statement.

Bektas was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he breathed his last, despite doctors' best efforts.

The ministry extended its condolences to Bektas’s family, the Turkish Armed Forces, and the entire nation.

The terrorists' affiliation was not specified, but the ministry’s description of the group fit the PKK.

In its more than 35-year terror campaign against Türkiye, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the US and EU – has been responsible for the deaths of more than 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants.