12 PKK terrorists killed in anti-terror ops in Van

A police officer has been killed and two others have been wounded during an anti-terror operation against the PKK in eastern Van province on Sunday, where 12 terrorists were killed.

Speaking to reporters, Van Governor Ibrahim Tasyapan stated that the operation was mounted at 5.30 a.m. Turkish local time [0330 GMT].

"The police was tracking the group, but we also received related notices from our citizens. I thank the people of Van for their sensitivity," he said.

The governor also said that two special-forces troops were also slightly wounded in the clash, and that the incident was being investigated by a prosecutor.

Sources added that 30 grenades, 12 long-barreled weapons and a machine gun were seized during a search of the premises.

The policemen who were injured during the operations were taken to nearby hospitals to receive treatment.

The PKK-considered a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and EU, resumed its three-decade armed campaign against the Turkish state in late July.

Since Dec. 15, when security forces stepped up operations against the PKK in southeastern towns and cities, 305 terrorists have been killed, the military said.

Most of the casualties were recorded in Cizre and Sur as well as Silopi and in Şırnak province.