Arrest 130 in counterterrorism operation

ISTANBUL, Turkey, Oct. 4 (UPI) -- Turkish counterterrorism units launched simultaneous operations in Istanbul and nine other provinces Tuesday detaining some 130 people, officials said.

The detainees were suspected of links with the Kurdish Communities Union, a political umbrella organization that includes the terrorist Kurdistan Workers Party, Today's Zaman reported.

Turkish police stepped up operations against the Kurdish Communities Union following an investigation of the group that began in December 2009.

Those detained Tuesday included mayors and municipal officials from the pro-Kurdish Peace and Democracy Party that has accused the government of suppressing its members, the newspaper said.