Türkiye responds to Istanbul attack by razing terror targets in northern Iraq, Syria: President

By Diyar Guldogan

ANKARA (AA) - Türkiye responded to the Nov. 13 Istanbul terror attack by destroying the targets of the terrorist organization with a recent air operation in northern Iraq and Syria, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday.

"We gave our answer to the vile attack that cost the lives of six innocents by razing the terrorist targets in northern Iraq and Syria," Erdogan said at an opening ceremony in northeastern Artvin province.

Early Sunday, Türkiye launched Operation Claw-Sword, a cross-border aerial campaign against the terror group YPG/PKK which has illegal hideouts across the Iraqi and Syrian borders where they plan attacks on Turkish soil.

The country's air operation followed the Nov. 13 terror attack on Istanbul's crowded Istiklal Avenue that killed six people and left 81 injured.

"We know the identity, location, and track record of the terrorists. We also know very well who patronizes, arms, and encourages terrorists," Erdogan said.

Türkiye has done its part by respecting every agreement on the security of its border with Syria, he said.

"Hopefully we will root all the terrorists out as soon as possible," Erdogan stressed.

In its more than 35-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 terror group's Syrian offshoot.