Clashes between PKK members and security forces end after two days in southeastern Turkey

The clashes that had erupted between members of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and security forces in southeastern province of Diyarbakır have ended after a two day skirmish.

The attack began when the PKK blocked a main road in the region.

However, illegal demonstrations continued for two days after the main road blocked by PKK members was opened on May 26, following interventions by security forces.

The group threw Molotov cocktails, noise bombs filled with nails and fireworks during the clashes, while security forces used water cannons to disperse them.

Seven security officers have been slightly wounded, the Diyarbakır Governor office said, as reported by Anadolu Agency.

An operation has been ongoing to capture the groups and ensure the safety of citizens travelling in the region, the statement added.

PKK members first gathered on May 25 to protest an irrigation dam project planned to be built in the region, the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) said in an official statement released May 26.

Groups repeatedly gathered at the scene and blocked the road by parking vehicles on the road, despite interventions, and were finally dispersed on late May 26, the TSK said.

PKK members also opened harassing fire, to which the TSK immediately returned fire in Lice district.

Tension high in region

Tension in the region has escalated in recent days, despite the ongoing peace process.

A convoy of 10 vehicles, including eight trucks and two armored military cars, was attacked by members of the PKK on May 25 in the eastern province of Şırnak. Militants detonated improvised explosives remotely as the convoy was going to a post...