PKK claims responsibility for air attack on Turkish military base in Diyarbakir

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) announced Wednesday that it had carried out an air attack on a key Turkish military base in the southeastern province of Diyarbakir (Amed) during the night, without disclosing details. Turkish authorities confirmed the attack, saying it did not cause any casualties. 

The PKK said it had carried out a “successful” action against Diyarbakir’s 8th Jet Base in the early hours of Wednesday, adding that it “had a great impact and produced results” without providing details, reported the PKK-affiliated media outlet ANF. They said more details would be disclosed later.  

Half an hour after the incident, Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said in a tweet that an “attempted attack” was carried out at a military base by two model aircrafts “which were neutralized.” He added that the attack did not cause any casualties.

The Diyarbakir governor’s office later revealed the name of the base, saying it was only one model aircraft “which was downed” by Turkish forces. 

Turkey’s defense ministry also said it was only one model aircraft, adding that the attack did not cause any casualties. 

It also said that they have increased security measures at the base.

The PKK is an armed group struggling for the increased rights of Kurds in Turkey. It is regarded as a terrorist organization by Ankara. 

Turkey carries out regular military operations against the group at home and outside the country, especially in the Kurdistan Region. 

Turkey launched two fresh military campaigns against the PKK in the Kurdistan Region’s Duhok province on April 23. Both ongoing operations have forced some villagers to flee their homes. It is also in constant clashes with the PKK in Kurdish areas inside Turkey.