Turkish military authorities comment on air operation

The headquarters of the Turkish Armed Forces have denied blame for the deaths of peaceful citizens in an air operation in Shirak Province in the south-east of the country this morning, Trend reports.

The operation was organized against the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) with no peaceful citizens living in the area. Media reports on Thursday said that 20 peaceful citizens died.

The Turkish conflict with the Kurdistan Workers' Party has been ongoing for over 25 years. The PKK demands independence. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 45,000 people. The UN and the European Union recognize the PKK as a terrorist organization.