Turkish security forces launched a joint counterterror operation in eastern and southeastern provinces with the participation of 129 security force teams, the Ministry of Interior announced Monday.
According to a statement by the ministry, “Operation Kıran” is being carried out to neutralize PKK terrorists and destroy encampments and shelters in dozens of districts, villages and valleys located in Hakkari, Şırnak and Van provinces.
The statement said 43 caves used as shelters by the terrorists were destroyed during the first hours and that the operation would continue until the terrorists were neutralized.
Turkish authorities often use the term “neutralize” in statements to imply the terrorists in question surrendered or were killed or captured.
Gendarmerie forces commander Gen. Arif Çetin will be in charge of the operation, while two brigadier generals and a colonel will act as field commanders in the provinces, the statement said.
Some 129 teams from gendarmerie, police and village guard forces are taking part in the operation.
Turkish convoy headed to Khan Sheikhoun
A Turkish military convoy which crossed into northwest Syria on Monday to head for the observation points near the key town of Khan Sheikhoun, where Assad regime forces are fiercely battling opposition groups, came under attack of regime jets.
The route of the convoy, which included additional troops and vehicles to be deployed in No. 9 observation point in Morek and No. 10 observation point in Zawiyah, was hit in airstrikes, DHA said, adding that the convoy was stopped in a safe location.
