By Yilmaz Kazandioglu

HAKKARI, Turkey

At least two Turkish soldiers were martyred and another injured on Friday when an improvised explosive device planted by PKK terrorists detonated in the southeastern province of Hakkari, a security source said.

The incident occurred during a military operation against PKK terrorists in Hakkari’s Cukurca district, said the source, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on talking to the media.

Later, security forces launched an operation in the area to nab the terrorists.

The PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU -- resumed its armed campaign against Turkey in July 2015.

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