Turkey: Turkey launches counter-terrorism operation in eastern provinces on September 1

Event

Turkey has launched a counter-terrorism military operation in the eastern provinces of Mus, Bingol, and the south-eastern province of Diyarbakir, which began on Tuesday, September 1. Named Operation Yildirim-9 Senyala, it is aimed at eliminating Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militant positions, as well as eliminating all terrorists that take shelter in the region, according to Turkey's Interior Ministry. As many as 1,022 security personnel, including Gendarmerie Special Operations forces, police, and security guards, are taking part in the operation, it added.

At least 38 PKK militants have been neutralized, 22 collaborators taken, 80 caves, shelters, and storages destroyed, and a large number of arms, ammunition, and other supplies have been seized in Yildirim operations to date.

Further Turkish operations against PKK positions in the region are likely in the near to medium term. Retaliatory PKK attacks are a possibility in the near 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.

Advice

Those in the above areas are advised to monitor developments to the situation, remain vigilant for militant activity, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities. The security environment in the above region remains complex. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to all travel.