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1st LD Writethru: UN chief slams deadly attacks on security personnel in Turkey

Xinhua, September 9, 2015 Adjust font size:

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday condemned the recent attacks against Turkish security personnel, resulting in dozens of casualties, saying he "is gravely concerned by the increase in violence and urges immediate de-escalation of tensions and hostilities."

The secretary-general, in a statement issued here by his spokesman, conveyed his condolences to the families of the victims and expressed his deep sympathy to the government and people of Turkey.

"The secretary-general is gravely concerned by the increase in violence and urges immediate de-escalation of tensions and hostilities," the statement said. "He continues to monitor the situation closely, including its possible impact on the region."

The death toll of Turkish police attacked by the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) on Tuesday climbed to 15, after two police died in two separate attacks in east Turkey and one more died in the bombing attack in Igdir province, local news reports said.

One police officer was killed and three others were wounded in an attack by PKK militants Tuesday afternoon in southeastern Turkish province of Mardin, Dogan News Agency reported.

One police officer who was critically injured when the PKK militants opened fire on his vehicle in the eastern central province of Tunceli on Tuesday died of his injuries a short time later.

Thirteen police officers were killed and one wounded in the roadside bomb attack by the PKK militants on Tuesday in Igdir province after one injured policeman died from the wounds, the reports said.

Clashes between the Turkish army and the PKK have been intensified since July, claiming dozens of the lives of security personnel.

A statement released by the Turkish army said on Monday that 16 of its soldiers were killed and six others injured in clashes with the PKK on Sunday in Daglica district in southeastern province of Hakkari. Endi