Istanbul, Dec 7 (DPA) At least five Turkish soldiers were killed Monday in a terrorist attack in the country’s east, according to television reports.
Several soldiers were reportedly also injured in the attack, which took place near a village in the Tokat region. The soldiers were on patrol when they came under attack, possibly by members of the outlawed Kurdish Workers Party (PKK).

There has been increased tension in Turkey in recent days over the Kurdish issue. There were several protests Sunday throughout the predominantly-Kurdish southeastern region of Turkey, including one in which a university student was killed.

On Tuesday, Turkey’s highest court will begin hearing a case to close down the only pro-Kurdish party in parliament. There is concern that the party’s closure could further escalate tensions.