The security situation tightened with deployment of thousands of policemen in Kurdish city of Batman on the eve of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's visit.

Erdogan's visit to Batman came as political climate tensed in the Kurdish region because of ongoing trial of Kurdish politicians and recent military operations against the Kurdish guerillas.

Hundreds of youths protested Erdogan's visit last night in the streets of Batman and chanted slogans against the AKP government. At least 15 were detained by Turkish police after the demonstrations.

Police tightened controls on Erdogan's route and armored vehicles were seen in the main junctions.

The meeting area where Erdogan will deliver a speech to his supporters is under siege by security forces.