At least 13 killed in clashes and explosions in Turkey

Turkish security officials say that in a series of clashes and explosions in the southeastern cities of the country, at least 13 people have been killed and dozens injured. They have identified the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) as responsible for the attacks. Reuters reports that earlier, PKK leadership warned that Turkish police 'will not be able to live in comfort and peace in the cities as before.' Among the casualties from the explosions on August 20, at least 9 are civilians. Four soldiers were killed early Wednesday during gunfire and rocket attacks in clashes with militants. Nine others were injured in this attack in 'Sirnak.' The police have attributed the attacks to PKK militants. In the city of Cizre, near the Syrian border, four civilians lost their lives in a roadside bomb explosion that targeted a police bus. At least 30 civilians and 10 police officers were also injured during this incident. In a separate bombing of a vehicle in Diyarbakir, five civilians were killed, apparently targeting police forces as well. Twelve people, including five police officers, were also injured. Cemil Bayik, one of the PKK commanders, recently warned in statements published by the 'Furat' website that they have begun a 'new method of warfare.' According to him, this 'war' no longer has 'boundaries and will take place in the mountains, villages, and cities.' The United States has strongly condemned the recent attacks, and Ned Price, the spokesperson for the National Security Council at the White House, stated that Washington is in close contact with Turkish officials and emphasizes its commitment to cooperate with Ankara in the fight against terrorism. The new attacks attributed to PKK militants come at a time when Turkey has recently faced a coup, and the events and government reactions to it continue. Ankara, the European Union, Washington, and Tehran consider the PKK a terrorist organization.