ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) attacked Turkish forces in the Kurdistan Region’s Duhok province, killing one soldier and injuring two others, according to a statement from the Turkish defense ministry on Wednesday. “One of our heroic soldiers was martyred and two others injured during an attack by the terrorist organization against our base in the Operation Claw-Lightning area,” said the ministry as reported by Turkish pro-government news outlet IHA, adding that the attack was conducted with an anti-tank guided weapon. Turkey launched a new cross-border military offensive on Friday night against the PKK in the Kurdistan Region, dubbed Operation Claw-Lightning and Claw-Thunderbolt. The Metina and Avashin areas of Duhok’s mountainous frontier with Turkey are the focus of the incursion. Turkey has claimed that tens of PKK fighters have been “neutralized” during both operations in Duhok province. The Turkish government and media use the word “neutralize” to denote death, injury, or capture of its adversaries. The PKK is an armed group fighting for the increased rights of Kurds in Turkey. The decades-long clashes between both sides have caused the deaths of over 40,000 people, according to the International Crisis Group. Turkey has bombarded several areas in Duhok’s border areas over the last four hours, spreading fear among villagers.
Kurdistan25-06-2026Erbil says Baghdad deducted, withheld around $37 billion in its budget share in 7 years
Kurdistan25-06-2026Viral Salafi preacher sexual exploitation case to be investigated next week: Minister
