Turkey: PKK attack in Siirt province (southeast)

Event

An attack attributed to the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) was carried out against a military base in the Eruh district of Siirt province (southeast). According to the military, six Turkish (pro-government) militia members were killed and seven other security force members were wounded. The attack was made public on Friday, March 30, although it is unclear when it actually occurred. Anti-PKK operations are ongoing in the region as of March 30.

Context

Turkey has faced a Kurdish insurgency since 1984, spearheaded by the PKK, which was renewed in 2015 following the dissolution of a ceasefire. Tensions between the Turkish state and Kurdish populations have intensified further since the launch of Operation Olive Branch, a Turkish offensive against Kurdish groups in Syria, on January 20.

The conflict has left over 40,000 people dead since 1984 and associated violence continues to pose a significant security risk in southeastern Turkey.

Advice

Individuals in the Siirt province are advised to remain vigilant and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities. Due to the Turkish government's ongoing conflicts with the PKK some Western governments advise against travel to areas much of the southeast, including Siirt, notably areas along the Syrian and Iraqi borders.