ANKARA, Turkey – Turkey conducted a series of airstrikes in Iraq and Syria on Saturday, targeting Kurdish militant groups in response to an attack on a Turkish military base in Iraq that resulted in the deaths of nine Turkish soldiers. According to the Turkish Defense Ministry, the strikes aimed to eliminate terrorist attacks against the country and its security forces.
The targeted areas included Metina, Hakurk, Gara, and Qandil in northern Iraq, where Kurdish separatist group Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) is known to have bases. The PKK, considered a terrorist organization by the United States and other Turkish allies, has been responsible for numerous attacks against Turkey.
The airstrikes focused on destroying caves, bunkers, shelters, and oil facilities used by the militants. Although the Turkish Defense Ministry did not provide specific details about the attacks in Syria, it stated that “many” militants were neutralized during the operation.
Local news sources reported that the strikes took place in a different location from where the military base was attacked. Additionally, Turkey’s state-run news agency Anadolu confirmed that a senior PKK militant was neutralized during the operation, approximately 100 miles inside the Turkey-Iraq border.
This recent escalation of tensions follows a pattern of attacks and counterattacks between Turkey and the PKK. In a previous incident just three weeks ago, PKK-affiliated militants attempted to breach a Turkish base in northern Iraq, resulting in the deaths of six Turkish soldiers. Turkish officials responded with airstrikes and land assaults, killing several Kurdish militants.
The increased conflict comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East, particularly with the continuation of the Israel-Hamas war. Turkey has remained firm in its commitment to combating the PKK and ensuring its national security, vowing to fight against the terrorist organization both within and outside its borders.
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