Turkish security forces detained 12 people for their suspected links to the PKK terror group on Tuesday in the western province of Izmir.

The counterterrorism branch of the province launched a simultaneous operation to apprehend the suspects.

The province’s prosecutor office had previously issued detention warrants for the 12 people.

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK, listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU, has been responsible for the deaths of some 40,000 people, including women and children.