36 PKK terrorists killed, 21 hideouts destroyed in anti-terror ops in Turkey's southeast

36 PKK terrorists have been killed, 21 hideouts and shelters used by the terrorists have been destroyed in anti-terror operations in southeast Turkey in the past week, the military said on Saturday.

According to the military statement, Turkish forces in Diyarbakır's Kulp, Lice and Hani districts, Şırnak's Beytüşşebap district, Batman's Gercüş district, Tunceli's Merkez district, Hakkari's Yüksekova District and Kars's Sarıkamış district conducted counter-terror operations, killing a total of 36 terrorists.

The military seized 26 infantry rifles, a machine gun, 47 hand grenades, three rocket launchers, and destroyed 10 mines and 11 improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Additionally, 850 kilograms of ammonium nitrate, 20 kilograms of TNT, ammunition and cables, fuse and explosives used to make IEDs have been seized, the military added.

Meanwhile, Turkish security forces have also targeted tobacco and narcotics smuggling activities of the PKK, which provide a significant income for the terrorist organization. In this regard, four kilograms of heroine, 156 kilograms of powder hashish and 25,300 packages of smuggled cigarettes have been confiscated.

To ensure border security and as part of the efforts to enhance security, Turkish authorities have captured 4,913 individuals attempting to illegally cross the border.

The military noted that the operations aim to prevent further attacks by the terrorists.

The PKK, listed as a terrorist organization by the U.S., EU and Turkey, claims to fight for Kurdish self-rule in southeastern Turkey, and has killed thousands of civilians in more than three decades of terror attacks. More than 4,000 security personnel and over 2,000 civilians have also been injured by the terrorist group.