The security forces are continuing their operations in northern Iraq in an effort to destroy the members of the PKK terrorist organization who have based their activities in the region after escaping from Syria. Turkish military forces encircled the PKK members in various places without disclosing the exact location of the clashes. The terrorists either want to go to Iran or to the Iraqi town of Mosul, which is below the 36th parallel and therefore in an Iraqi-controlled area. The operations took place in the southeastern provinces of Diyarbakir, Bingol and Sirnak. Two more members of the PKK terrorist organization have reportedly surrendered to the security forces in Bitlis and Diyarbakir.
Operations are still underway.
Furthermore, during clashes between Turkish soldiers and members of the PKK terrorist organization in the Aybasti district of Ordu, one Turkish soldier has died. Talay, who received Chinese Deputy Culture Minister Pan Zhenzhaou, noted that a cultural exchange protocol between the two countries will be a step to improve friendship and cultural ties. The cultural exchange protocol was signed by Turkey's Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Ambassador Korkmaz Haktanir and Zhenzhaou. The protocol calls for the exchange of artists, exhibition organizations and scholarships from 1998 through 2001. Stating the importance of visits between countries to improve cultural relations, Zhenzhaou invited Talay to China.