Turkey starts new anti-terrorism operation in Batman province

ISTANBUL

Turkish forces have launched a new anti-terrorism operation in the southeastern Batman province, the country’s Interior Ministry announced on Wednesday.

A total of 620 security personnel and 44 gendarmerie teams will take part in Operation Eren Winter-14 (Gomuk) Martyr Gendarmerie Chief Petty Officer Suleyman Gur, the ministry said in statement.

The latest operation is part of ongoing efforts to eliminate PKK terrorists hiding out in the region.

Eren Winter Operations, being carried out to completely eradicate terrorism in the country, continue successfully with the support of people, the statement added.

This year, Turkey initiated Operations Eren, named after Eren Bulbul, a 15-year-old boy killed by the terrorist group on Aug. 11, 2017.

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