Istanbul (AP) — Turkish authorities have lifted a long-standing curfew from parts of a historic neighborhood in the mainly Kurdish city of Diyarbakir.

Security operations to flush out youths and fighters linked to a Kurdish armed movement have been underway in Diyarbakir since December.

A focal point of those operations has been Sur, a district famed for its ancient city walls and Hevsel Gardens listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The authorities said Sunday they were lifting the curfew from several streets in the historic neighborhood after restoring security.

Turkish security forces are locked in a conflict with militants linked to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, in several parts of the southeast.

A peace process between the two parties collapsed last July.