16 Turkish soldiers killed in clashes

Ankara, Sep 7: At least sixteen Turkish soldiers were killed and several others injured in clashes with the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in southeastern province of Hakkari, on Sunday.

According to daily Hurriyet, the PKK militants exploded mines when two armored military vehicles were passing Daglica district. Then they opened fire on the troops, leaving a number of soldiers killed.

There has been no official statement by the military on the incident so sar, but reports suggested 16 soldiers were killed in the attack. A comprehensive military operation has been launched immediately after the incident.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan confirmed the attack, saying "the information provided by our chief of general staff is saddening."

Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu cut his visit to Konya short and returned to Ankara to convene a high-level security meeting.

Clashes between the army and the PKK have been intensified since mid-July, claiming dozens of the lives of security personnel.

In August, Erdogan vowed to continue military operations against the PKK until it's disarmed.

"We will persevere in our struggle until they lay down and bury their arms, and until the last terrorist leaves the country," Erdogan said.

IANS