Turkey ends "successful" military operations in CizreFebruary 11, 2016 - 17:26 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkey's military on Thursday, February 11 ended a "successful" operation to root out Kurdish militants from the southeastern town of Cizre, the country's interior minister said, according to the Associated Press. Efkan Ala said, however, that a 24-hour curfew that bars residents from leaving their homes and has prevented observers from entering Cizre, will remain in place for a while longer as the security forces continue to secure the town that is close to the borders with Syria and Iraq. Turkey imposed curfews in Cizre and other mainly Kurdish towns and districts in December while its security forces battled militants linked to the Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, who set up barricades, dug trenches and primed explosives in the areas they have declared to be under Kurdish self-rule. Tens of thousands of people have been displaced in the military operations. "The operations in Cizre ended in a very successful manner," Ala said. "The curfew will continue for a while because there are booby traps, there could be land mines in some areas that could harm our people." "It will take a while to fill in the trenches and remove the barricades, however, as of today ... control has been established over the area," he said, AP reports. At least 597 militants have been killed in Cizre, according to a military statement on Thursday. The fighting between the security forces and the PKK, which wants autonomy for Kurds, flared anew in July, shattering a fragile peace process. More than 40,000 people have died in the three-decade-long conflict. The Turkish Human Rights Foundation says at least 224 civilians, including 42 children, have died in the combat areas under curfew since August. Government officials say more than 200 security force members have died since July. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |