Turkish forces kill 176 PKK terrorists in August

By Yunus Okur

ERZURUM, Turkey

Turkish security forces killed 176 PKK terrorists inside and outside Turkey during counter-terrorism operations in August, according to official data compiled by Anadolu Agency.

Thirteen Turkish security personnel were martyred and six civilians, including 15-year-old Eren Bulbul, lost their lives in PKK attacks over the same period.

During operations against the PKK in August, 548 suspects were arrested and 138 were later remanded in custody.

A total of 35 shelters, caves, or depots used by the terrorists were destroyed, and 62 improvised explosives were defused.

More than 70 rifles were seized during the operations, as well as two AT-4 guided anti-tank weapons.

More than 1,200 people, including security personnel and civilians, have lost their lives since the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S., and EU -- resumed its decades-long armed campaign in July 2015.