Turkey: 13 PKK-affiliated terror suspects held

VAN, Turkey

Turkish security forces held as many as 13 PKK terror suspects in operations on Monday, according to officials.

Police conducted simultaneous raids in Istanbul, southwestern province of Mugla, and eastern Van province to "uncover the PKK’s activities," said the Governor's Office in Van.

During the raids, 13 people suspected of "aiding and abetting terrorists in rural and mountainous areas" were rounded up.

In its more than 30-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 40,000 people, including women, children and infants.

*Writing by Ahmet Gencturk