Turkey Conducts New Airstrikes on Suspected PKK Targets

Turkish fighter jets conducted new airstrikes on suspected terrorist targets in the southeast of the country and across the border in northern Iraq on Tuesday.

Two F-16 jets bombed at least three suspected separatist terrorist targets in the southeastern Sirnak province, the Turkish General Staff said in a statement.

The official statement did not specify the name of the group, but it is believed that it concerns the banned Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), Hurriyet Daily informs.

According to the information, the airstrikes targeted two anti-aircraft gun positions and a mortar position in Dugun mountain.

The action was taken in a response to an attack on Turkish gendarmerie forces by suspected PKK members in the region.

It was also reported that PKK members kidnapped Turkish police officer in the southeastern province of Diyarbakir.

Meanwhile, Turkish jets also launched fresh airstrikes against PKK targets in northern Iraq.

These incidents are the latest escalation of tension between the Turkish government and PKK.

On Tuesday, Turkish President Recep Erdogan said that the peace process with PKK can not be continued as long as the group targeted the national unity.

The airstrikes against PKK are part of the larger efforts against suspected terrorist organisations, which Turkey launched in response to the suicide attack in the southeastern town of Suruc last week.

The aerial campaign is accompanied by massive police raids against suspected Islamic State (IS) and PKK militants.