Turkey has launched a new anti-terror operation in the country's east, the Interior Ministry announced Saturday.


Axar.az reports citing Turkish media operation Yildirim-16 Sehi Forests in Bitlis province is aimed at completely eliminating separatist terror groups and neutralizing all terrorists hiding out in the region, the ministry said in a statement.

As many as 2,571 security personnel are taking part in the effort, including gendarmerie special forces, police, and others, it added.

Although the statement did not mention any specific group, the PKK terror group has been active in eastern Turkey and the government has launched a series of operations this year to neutralize PKK terrorists in the region.

Detailing the achievements of Operation Yildirim since July 13, 2020, the statement said 148 terrorists were neutralized, 77 collaborators of terrorist organizations were arrested and more than 455 caves, shelters, and a large number of arms destroyed.