Turkey, Iran to stage joint raid against PKK: Minister

Turkey, Iran to stage joint raid against PKK: Minister

ANKARA- Anadolu Agency

Neighbors Turkey and Iran will carry out a joint operation against PKK, Anadolu news agency quoted the interior minister as saying on March 6.

Hosted at the Anadolu Agency's Editor's Desk, Süleyman Soylu said: "God willing, we will carry out a joint operation against the PKK together with Iran.”

Soylu did not specify which PKK bases the planned operation would target but President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has previously said it would be against militant hideouts in Iraq.

Soylu also said there are now less than 700 militants in Turkey as the country takes significant measures on its borders to block militant entries.

 “There are less than 700 terrorists in Turkey. The terrorist entry into the country is so little, as well. 12 people entered Turkey since January. We are taking serious measures at our borders,” Soylu said.          

Separately, Soylu slammed the PKK for recruiting teenagers in its combat against Turkey.         

The PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU.