‘Security measures taken for Turkey’s local polls’

By Sarp Ozer</p> <p>SIRNAK, Turkey (AA) – Turkey has taken all security measures for the upcoming local elections in the country on March 31, Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said on Tuesday.</p> <p>&quot;We are sure that the election will take place in a secure environment without any problems,&quot; Akar said during inspections in southeastern Sirnak province.</p> <p>Akar also recalled Turkey's counter-terrorism operations in northern Iraq on Saturday, which left two Turkish soldiers martyred and 12 terrorists dead.</p> <p>&quot;It was an attempt to infiltrate [into Turkey]. Our soldiers showed a tremendous heroism and dedication by burying these traitors,&quot; Akar said.</p> <p>According to a Defense Ministry statement on Sunday, the terrorists killed on Saturday also include Serkan Tuncer, who was in the grey category of the Turkish Interior Ministry’s wanted list. </p> <p>In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK — listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU — has been responsible for the deaths of nearly 40,000 people, including women and children.</p> <p>With daily campaign rallies and politicians’ speeches, Turkey is gearing up for local elections to be held across the country on March 31.</p> <p>A total of 12 political parties will participate in the local elections.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>*Writing by Sibel Morrow</p> <p>