Turkish security forces on Tuesday launched a new domestic counterterrorism operation called "Eren Winter-16" against the PKK terrorist group in the eastern province of Bingöl.

According to a statement from the Interior Ministry, Eren Winter operations, which are being carried out to completely eradicate terrorism in the country, continue successfully with the faithful and decisive support of the people.

A total of 960 security personnel, including gendarmerie forces and 71 operational teams will take part in Operation Eren Winter-16, the ministry said in a statement.

Twenty terrorists have been eliminated and 339 caves, shelters and depots have been destroyed so far in 14 different domestic counterterrorism operations as part of Eren-Winter operations, the ministry announced last week.

Last year, Turkey initiated Operation Eren, named after Eren Bülbül, a 15-year-old boy killed by the terrorist group on Aug. 11, 2017. Eren-Winter Operations are being carried out to completely eradicate terrorism in the country.

Turkish security forces regularly conduct counterterrorism operations in the eastern and southeastern provinces of Turkey, where the PKK has attempted to establish a strong presence.

Security forces also carry out operations abroad where the terrorist organization poses a threat. The Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) regularly conducts cross-border operations in northern Iraq, a region where PKK terrorists have hideouts and bases from which to carry out attacks against Turkey.

In its more than 40-year terrorism campaign against Turkey, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the European Union – has been responsible for the deaths of 40,000 people, including women, children and infants.