By Fatma Sevinc Cetin and Ahmet Sertan Usul
Turkish security forces carried out air operations in northern Iraq, destroying 13 terror targets and “neutralizing” many senior terrorists, the Turkish National Defense Ministry said on Monday.
The operations were carried out in the Gara, Metina, Hakurk and Qandil regions to “eliminate terrorist attacks against Türkiye and its security forces from northern Iraq by neutralizing members of the PKK/KCK terror group and other terrorist elements and to ensure border security in line with the self-defense rights arising from Article 51 of the UN Charter,” a ministry statement said.
The targets included caves, bunkers, shelters and warehouses considered to be housing ringleaders of the terror group, it said.
A large number of terrorists were also "neutralized" in the operations, during which Turkish-made ammunition were used, the statement added.
Turkish authorities use the term "neutralize" to imply the terrorists in question surrendered or were killed or captured.
PKK terrorists often hide out in northern Iraq to plot cross-border attacks in Türkiye.
“During this operation, every possible precaution was taken to safeguard innocent civilians, friendly elements, historical and cultural landmarks, and the environment from any harm,” it added.
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.
*Writing by Gozde Bayar