Turkish security forces destroy 24 safe havens for PKK terror group in northern Iraq, many neutralized

By Seda Sevencan

ISTANBUL (AA) – Turkish security forces on Wednesday destroyed more than 20 safe havens of the PKK terror group in an air operation in northern Iraq, according to the National Defense Ministry.

Under the legitimate self-defense rights derived from Article 51 of the UN Charter, the air operation was carried out against safe havens of so-called senior-level terrorists in the Gara, Hakurk, Qandil, and Asos regions to neutralize PKK/KCK and other terrorist elements, thwart terrorist attacks from northern Iraq against local people and security forces, and ensure border security, the ministry said in a statement.

The air force destroyed 24 caves, shelters, hideouts, depots, and facilities while using the maximum amount of domestically produced ammunition, the statement said, adding that several terrorists were also neutralized during the operation.

“During this operation, every precaution was taken to ensure that innocent people, friendly elements, historical and cultural assets, and the environment were not harmed," it added.

The terrorist PKK is known for using northern Iraq, near the Turkish border, as a hideout to plot terror attacks and launch attacks both on nearby Türkiye and locals in northern Syria.

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

In its nearly 40-year terror campaign against Türkiye, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the US, and the EU – has been responsible for the deaths of more than 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants. The YPG is the PKK’s Syrian offshoot.