Turkey: Multiple soldiers injured in Semdinli district (Hakkari province) ambush on July 18

Event

An attack by suspected members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) resulted in the explosion of a military vehicle in the Semdinli district of Hakkari Province on Saturday, July 18. Three Turkish Army soldiers were injured in the attack, which was reported to have been carried out with a remotely-detonated explosive.

Responding security operations against Kurdish positions in the area are likely in the near to medium term.

Context

Turkey has faced a Kurdish insurgency since 1984, spearheaded by the PKK, which was renewed in 2015 following the dissolution of a ceasefire. The conflict has left over 40,000 people dead since 1984 and associated violence continues to pose a significant security risk in southeastern Turkey. Turkish forces have reportedly killed dozens of PKK militants in northern Iraq since the beginning of their offensive against Kurdish militants in the region in March 2018.

Advice

Individuals in southeastern Turkey are advised to monitor developments to the situation, remain vigilant for militant activity, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.