At least 19 people including two journalists have been taken into custody in the province of Van as a result of simultaneous raids on Monday morning. The raids in the scope of so-called KCK (Kurdistan Communities Union) operation targeted dozens of addresses including Van Municipality, Dicle News Agency office and Van deputy mayor Sabri Abi's house.

Dicle News Agency (DIHA) Van regional office, Azadiya Welat office, KURDÎ-DER, Rehabilitation Center for Animals, Çelebibaðý Municipality and many other establishments were also raided in the operation in which many Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) executives were taken into custody.

Police teams are reported to be continuing searches in many addresses raided in the operation. All documents in the targeted addresses have also been seized by police.

At least fiftenn people have been taken into custody in KCK operation in the province of Iðdýr on Monday. The operation mainly targeted Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) administrators and members of the city council.

On the other hand, a seperate operation was carried out in the southern province of Mersin where police carried out simultaneous raids early on Monday morning. Thirteen people including one disabled and oneminor have been taken into custody for allegedly "joining pirate demonstration" and "being members of an illegal organization".