Turkey arrests 13 suspected PKK suspects

Izmir [Turkey], Jan 16 (ANI): Turkey arrested at least 13 suspects, who are allegedly linked to Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) terror group on Tuesday.

"The PKK suspects were held during simultaneous raids in Aliaga and Menderes districts in Izmir province in western Turkey", said a police source as quoted by the Anadolu news agency.

The other two PKK suspects are absconding and operations were on to capture them.

Earlier, the Izmir Chief Public Prosecutor's Office had issued warrants for the PKK suspects, who were allegedly spreading their own propaganda on social media.

The PKK is based in Turkey and Iraq.

Since 1984, it has been involved in an armed conflict with Turkey, with the initial aim of achieving an independent Kurdish state.

It has been listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States and the European Union.

The PKK is responsible for the deaths of more than 1,200 Turkish security personnel and civilians.

Turkey has been embroiled in a state of emergency since last year, ever since the failed military coup against Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan and subsequent terrorist attacks by local militants and the Islamic State group in the country. (ANI)

This story has not been edited. It has been published as provided by ANI