Turkish airstrikes destroy 29 terror targets in northern Iraq, Syria

By Gozde Bayar

Turkish airstrikes destroyed 29 terror targets in northern Iraq and Syria, with many terrorists "neutralized," according to Türkiye's National Defense Ministry on Saturday.

The targets, including caves, shelters, bunkers and warehouses, were destroyed at 10:00 p.m. local time, a ministry statement said, adding that it was “assessed” that senior terrorists were present in some of them.

The airstrikes were carried out to "eliminate terrorist attacks against Türkiye and its security forces from northern Iraq and Syria by neutralizing members of the PKK terror group and other terrorist elements and to ensure border security in line with the legitimate self-defense rights arising from Article 51 of the UN Charter," it said.

Turkish-made munitions were used as much as possible, it 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," the ministry statement said.

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.