Turkey launches fresh anti-terror operation

ANKARA

Turkish security forces launched a new anti-terrorism operation in the southeastern province of Sirnak, the country's Interior Ministry announced on Tuesday.

In a statement, the ministry said that the Operation Eren Winter-13 (Gabar-Karagecit-Inceler) Martyr Gendarmerie Private Selcuk Sahin involves 516 security personnel and 43 operational teams from the gendarmerie, including special forces.

"Eren Winter Operations, which are carried out to completely eradicate terrorism in the country, continue successfully with the support of our 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.

The latest action is aimed at eliminating PKK terrorists hiding out in the region.

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 at least 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants.