Turkish police detain 282 suspects linked to PKK

Turkish police arrested 282 individuals allegedly connected to the PKK terrorist group during nationwide raids over the last five days. Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced on Tuesday.

The operations named “GÜRZ-46” were conducted across 51 cities including Istanbul, Ankara, and the southeastern city of Diyarbakır, which had experienced numerous PKK attacks over the years, - the minister posted details on X.

The 282 suspects were accused of spreading PKK propaganda, financing the group, recruiting members, and participating in street protests, according to Yerlikaya.

Police also seized two AK-47 rifles, along with other weapons. Some of the suspects were found to have completed prison sentences or had outstanding arrest warrants, the minister added.

Additionally, Turkish authorities issued arrest warrants for 60 individuals, including several left-wing figures, on suspicion of terror ties, the Istanbul prosecutor's office stated in a release.

On Saturday, Turkey removed a pro-Kurdish DEM Party mayor from his post in the eastern province of Van over terrorism-related convictions, taking to eight the number of DEM mayors replaced by state-appointed officials since 2024 elections.

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