Turkey Announces Successful Counter-Terror Operations in Iraq and Syria
Turkish President Erdogan emphasized that Turkey is determined to prevent the existence of any terrorist organization in northern Iraq or northern Syria.
A group in Ankara protested against the terrorist organization PKK. The group gathered in front of the Atatürk Statue in Ulus, unfurled a Turkish flag and Atatürk's poster, observed a moment of silence and recited the National Anthem. Photo by Anadolu Images.
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n response to the recent attacks by the PKK terrorist group in northern Iraq, Turkey’s Ministry of National Defense declared the elimination of at least 26 terrorists in airstrikes carried out in both Iraq and Syria. The retaliatory actions came following the murder of 12 soldiers in PKK attacks.
The ministry specified that the airstrikes targeted terrorist targets and resulted in the neutralization of 26 terrorists. The operations focused on areas along the Turkish border with Iraq and Syria, regions that have historically been favored hideouts for the PKK.
Defense Minister Yaşar Güler stated that the assessment of the total casualties is ongoing, and further details will be provided as the information becomes available. Previously, on December 24, Güler announced that 30 terrorists had been neutralized since the soldiers’ killings.
A series of airstrikes and operations
Turkey’s response involved a series of airstrikes and operations to dismantle PKK targets, including caves, bunkers, shelters, and oil installations. The operations, overseen by Defense Minister Güler, aimed to deliver a strong message of deterrence against the terrorist group.
Additionally, Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT) reported the neutralization of Erdinc Bolcal, codenamed Ali Xebat, a high-ranking PKK member responsible for the Silan Guyi Academy. Bolcal, who provided ideological and military training to terrorists, was eliminated in a targeted operation in Sulaymaniyah.
Turkey to prevent the emergence of a terrorist structure
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated Turkey’s unwavering commitment to combat terrorism, stating that the country would pay any cost to prevent the emergence of a terrorist structure in northern Iraq and Syria. Since the recent PKK attack, Turkey has neutralized a total of 56 terrorists in ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.
Speaking at an event in Istanbul on Saturday, Erdogan emphasized that Turkey is determined to prevent the existence of any terrorist organization in northern Iraq or northern Syria, underscoring that the country will spare no effort, regardless of the cost, to ensure the security of its southern regions.
The PKK, designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S., and the EU, has been engaged in a decades-long terror campaign against Turkey, resulting in the loss of more than 40,000 lives. The recent operations are part of Operation Claw-Lock, launched in April 2022 to target PKK hideouts near the Turkish border in northern Iraq.
Sources: TRT World, Daily Sabah and Aljazeera English
