PKK Kidnaps Chief Sergeant in Mardin

PKK guerrillas reportedly kidnapped İlhan Çalışkan, a chief army sergeant traveling from Mardin to Erzurum. While the incident took place last night, Çalışkan was driving his private vehicle to see his sick wife in Erzurum. 

Following the incident, the security forces began an operation in the area and found the burnt-down car of the sergeant.  In order to save the chief sergeant, an investigation has begun.

On May 24, the aforementioned highway was also blocked by groups protesting the construction of high-security check-points and headquarters in the area. 

According to a statement by military authorities, the highway was opened yesterday around 12 pm. However, PKK blocked the highway again by allegedly digging a 3 meter deep hole in the highway. 

The blockage compelled drivers to travel the same distance through Elazığ province. 

Yesterday, it was also reported that a vehicle of  Aras Edaş Electricity Co was burnt down in Doğubeyazıt district, Ağrı. A similar incident also took place in Çiftlik village, leaving 2 vehicles in flames and 6 company workers kidnaped. (EKN/CB/BM)

* Click here to read the article in Turkish.