Turkey: 15 arrested for promoting PKK on social media

By Ali Riza Akkir and Cuneyt Celik

MUGLA, Turkey

At least 15 suspects were arrested in Turkey for making terror propaganda on social media, judicial sources said Saturday.

In southern Mugla province, two suspects were arrested as part of an investigation against PKK supporters, said the sources, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

The suspects were later remanded pending trial.

Separately, in the northeastern province of Kars, 13 suspects were arrested for allegedly taking part in an online smear campaign against Turkey's military operation in northwestern Syria, according to the local governor.

The suspects were also accused for insulting Turkish president.

On Jan. 20, Turkey launched Operation Olive Branch to clear YPG/PKK-Daesh terrorists from Syria's Afrin region.

The Turkish General Staff has said the Afrin operation is aimed at establishing security and stability along Turkish borders and the region as well as protecting Syrians from terrorist oppression and cruelty.

It said the operation is being carried out under the framework of Turkey’s rights based on international law.

The military also said "utmost care and sensitivity" is being put on avoiding harm to civilians.

Afrin has been a major hideout for the YPG/PKK since July 2012 when the Bashar al-Assad regime left the city to the terror group without a fight.