Turkish Air Force Attack Destroys 17 PKK/KCK Kurdish Militant Headquarterss In Northern Iraq

JAKARTA - Turkish security forces launched air operations in northern Iraq, destroyed 17 targets and killed many members of the PKK/KCK group, Turkey's Ministry of National Defense said on Friday. The operation was carried out in the Gara, Metina, Hakurk, and Qandil areas to "victrate attacks on Turkey and its security forces from north of Iraq by killing members of the PKK/KCK group and other elements," according to the ministry's statement quoted from Antara. "(The operation also) to ensure border security is in line with the self-defense rights listed in Article 51 of the UN Charter," he said. These targets include caves, bunkers, shelters and warehouses deemed to be the group's leader's residence. A large number of PKK members were also "dinetralated" in the operation, using Turkish-made ammunition, the ministry's statement said. Turkish authorities used the term "dinetralized" to imply the condition of surrendering, killed, or arrested.

Supporters of the Kurdish Workers Party (PKK) often hide in northern Iraq to plan cross-border attacks in Turkey. "During this operation, every precautionary measure was taken to protect innocent civilians, other elements, historic and cultural buildings, as well as the environment from any danger," they added. in more than 35 years of attacks on Turkey, the PKK - registered as a banned organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union - has led to the deaths of more than 40 thousand people, including women, children and infants.