The Turkish air force conducted airstrikes in northern Iraq and Syria on Saturday, targeting and destroying 29 locations associated with the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). This action was taken in response to the killing of 12 Turkish soldiers in the preceding two days in northern Iraq. The airstrikes were carried out at 10 p.m. (1900 GMT), aimed at bases, shelters, and oil facilities believed to be utilized by PKK militants. The defense ministry did not specify the exact regions in northern Iraq and Syria that were targeted.
Earlier on Saturday, the defense ministry reported the deaths of 12 Turkish soldiers in recent clashes with PKK militants in northern Iraq. In response, the military conducted operations against PKK targets, resulting in the "neutralization" of at least 16 PKK militants on Saturday. The term "neutralized" is commonly used by Turkey to indicate that individuals have been killed. Additionally, the ministry reported the killing of seven militants on Friday.
The PKK, designated as a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union, initiated armed conflict against the Turkish state in 1984. Turkey regularly conducts airstrikes in northern Iraq as part of its efforts against PKK militants based in the region.
