Turkish airstrikes destroy 15 PKK terrorist targets in northern Iraq

ANKARA

Turkish airstrikes on Saturday on PKK terrorist targets in northern Iraq, near the Turkish border, destroyed 15 targets thought to be housing terrorist ringleaders, according to the country’s National Defense Ministry.

Air operations were carried out in the Hakurk region to “eliminate terrorist attacks against Türkiye and security forces from northern Iraq by neutralizing members of the PKK/KCK terror group and other terrorist elements and to ensure border security in line with the self-defense rights arising from Article 51 of the UN Charter,” the ministry said on Twitter.

A large number of terrorists were “neutralized” in the operations, during which indigenously produced munitions were used to the greatest degree, the ministry said.

Turkish authorities use the term “neutralize” to imply the terrorists in question surrendered or were killed or captured.

PKK terrorists often hide out in northern Iraq to plot cross-border attacks in Türkiye.

“During this operation, every possible precaution was taken to safeguard innocent civilians, friendly elements, historical and cultural landmarks, and the environment from any harm,” it added.

In its more than 35-year terror campaign against Türkiye, the PKK — listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the US, and EU — has been responsible for the deaths of more than 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants.

• National Defense Ministry