Kurdish rebels attack Turkish military post, 2 soldiers killed

[News_Editor]

Kurdish rebels attack Turkish military post, 2 soldiers killed

2011-08-20 10:11:24 GMT+7 (ICT)

ISTANBUL, TURKEY (BNO NEWS) -- Suspected Kurdish rebels on late Thursday evening attacked a military outpost in the southeastern region of Turkey, killing two soldiers, local media reported on Friday.

The attack occurred in the Eruh district of Siirt Province when alleged members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) ambushed the military outpost with rocket launchers and assault rifles, Hurriyet Daily News reported.

During the violent clash, two soldiers were killed who were identified as non-commissioned officer İlker Atan and Private Recep Garlı. In addition, two PKK rebels were killed and four others were injured. The remaining militants fled the scene after security forces continued their operation.

In a separate incident, another group of alleged PKK militants attacked Pervari district's Police Headquarters and Gendarmerie Command located in Siirt Province as well. An ensuing exchange of fire resulted in four civilians being injured.

On Wednesday, twelve Turkish soldiers were killed when a roadside bomb and an ambush targeted a military convoy in Turkey's southeastern province of Hakkari near the Iraqi border. Among the fatalities was a military officer who was in command of the troops.

The attack was reportedly carried out by the PKK rebel group which have killed at least 36 Turkish soldiers since July.

Four Turkish fighter jets bombed suspected Kurdish rebel bases in the Meteen area of Iraq later that evening, and additional airstrikes by the Turkish military were carried out on Thursday and Friday.

The PKK, which has been labeled as a terrorist organizations by the United States and the European Union, was established in 1984 in its efforts to establish the eastern and southeastern regions of Turkey as an autonomous Kurdish state. Over 40,000 soldiers and civilians have been killed in violent clashes since the group took arms. The PKK maintains its military bases across the Iraqi border.

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