PKK terrorist 'neutralized' in Turkish intelligence operation in northern Iraq

By Merve Yildizalp

ANKARA (AA) – The Turkish National Intelligence Organization (MIT) "neutralized" a terrorist who was allegedly involved in extortion and recruiting individuals for the terrorist group PKK in northern Iraq, intelligence sources said Monday,

Gulsume Dogan codenamed Jiyan Mardin, a terrorist in Sulaymaniyah and surrounding cities, was neutralized by the MIT, said the sources, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on talking to the media.

Mardin extorted from the local population under the guise of taxation, used these funds for attacks on security forces, and provided logistical support to the terror group, they added.

She also worked to recruit new militants for the terror group, including minors, an illegal practice under international law which has been decried in reports by the UN, US, and human rights groups.

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

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.