Turkish air operations targeted suspected PKK positions in the Metina, Gara, Khakurk, Qandil, and Asos mountains, destroying 15 targets consisting of “caves, bunkers, shelters, and warehouses.”
Many PKK fighters were “neutralized” in the attack, according to the statement. Turkey uses the term “neutralize” to denote adversaries captured, wounded, or killed.
The ministry added that the airstrikes were conducted in line with Ankara’s right to “self-defense,” and claimed that precautions were taken to “prevent harm to innocent civilians.”
PKK-affiliated media reported that Sulaimani province’s Mawat district and Erbil’s Balakayati area were also targeted in Turkey’s Saturday airstrikes. The report did not confirm if any PKK positions were hit, but said the extent of the damage is yet to be determined.
Turkish forces often carry out aerial attacks in Sulaimani province, where Ankara accuses authorities of supporting the PKK.
In northern Duhok, Turkey sent its army back into the province in April 2022, launching Operation Claw-Lock with the goal of targeting PKK positions in Metina, Zap, Avashin, and Basyan areas. The operation, according to Ankara, aims to remove the PKK from the border area and cut off its access to Turkey.
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