Turkey’s National Defense Ministry announced on Friday that Turkish security forces have “neutralized” a total of 20 terrorists from the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and its Syrian offshoot, the People’s Defense Units (YPG), in northern Iraq and northern Syria.
This marks the latest in a series of operations aimed at countering terrorism along Turkey’s southern borders.
According to the ministry, 14 PKK militants were targeted and neutralized in the regions of Hakurk, Metina, and Gara, which are known strongholds of the PKK in northern Iraq.
The ministry also reported that another six terrorists linked to the PKK and YPG were neutralized in the Euphrates Shield and Peace Spring operation zones in northern Syria, areas where Turkish forces have been actively engaged in anti-terrorism operations.
The ministry’s statement emphasized Turkey’s ongoing commitment to eradicating terrorism “at its source,” a reference to the country’s policy of targeting PKK and YPG fighters in their bases across the border, particularly in the mountainous regions of northern Iraq and Syria.
“Terrorists cannot escape the end that awaits them, and they will not be able to escape!” the ministry’s statement declared, reaffirming Turkey’s stance on combating terrorism.
The term “neutralize” used by Turkish authorities typically refers to terrorists who have either been killed, captured, or surrendered during security operations.
The PKK, considered a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US, and the European Union, has waged an insurgency against the Turkish state for over four decades, resulting in more than 40,000 deaths, including civilians of all ages.
PKK militants frequently use northern Iraq as a launching pad for cross-border attacks on Turkish territory.
In response, Turkey has carried out numerous military operations in the region in an attempt to dismantle the PKK’s infrastructure and prevent future attacks on its soil.
The YPG, a Kurdish militia group operating in northern Syria, is an offshoot of the PKK and has been a focal point of Turkey’s anti-terrorism efforts in the region.
Turkey’s ongoing military presence in northern Syria, particularly in areas such as Afrin, has been a point of contention with some international actors. However, Turkey maintains that its operations are vital to securing its borders and preventing attacks by PKK/YPG militants.
The Turkish government has also faced criticism for its aggressive stance towards Kurdish separatist movements and its impact on civilian populations in the region.
Despite the challenges, the Turkish government continues to defend its actions as necessary for national security and the protection of its citizens.
The recent operation reflects Turkey’s broader strategy of using military force to counter the PKK and YPG, alongside diplomatic efforts to garner international support for its stance on terrorism.
As the situation in northern Iraq and Syria remains tense, Turkey’s determination to combat terrorism at its source remains a key element of its foreign policy in the region.
As Turkey continues its military operations, the international community remains divided over how best to address the Kurdish question and the complex security situation in the Middle East.