Turkish army killed 619 PKK gunmen in nearly two months

ANKARA, Feb 12 (KUNA) -- The General Staff of the Turkish Army said Friday that the army and police forces killed 619 members of the banned Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in Cizre town in the southeastern Sirnak province over the last 59 days.
The military operations against the militant group claimed 29 security personnel since December 14 when curfew was declared in the town, according to a statement by the General Staff.
The regular troops regained control over the town yesterday after killing 16 PKK gunmen and seized large quantities of munitions, including missiles and hand grenades.
Turkish Interior Minister Efkan Ala announced yesterday the military operation against the PKK in the town was successfully completed.
In a related development, Minster of Health Mehmet Muezzinoglu said today the clashes against the PKK claimed five lives of medical personnel and damaged 30 ambulances. (end) rs.gb