Turkish security forces have neutralized improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted by the PKK terrorists in Operation Claw-Lightning and Claw-Thunderbolt areas in northern Iraq, the Defense Ministry said Tuesday.
Turkish soldiers in the Metina, Avashin-Basyan regions in northern Iraq have exterminated explosives laid by the PKK terrorists, the ministry said.
Northern Iraq is known as the location of many PKK terrorist hideouts and bases from where they carry out attacks in Turkey.
The PKK targets are being struck in the Metina, Avashin-Basyan, Zap and Qandil regions. In addition to F-16 fighter jets, the operations are being supported by border artillery units, fire support elements in the forward base areas and attack helicopters.
The Turkish military regularly conducts cross-border operations in northern Iraq. Turkey has long been stressing that it will not tolerate terrorist threats posed against its national security and has called on Iraqi officials to take the necessary steps to eliminate the terrorist group. Ankara previously noted that if the expected steps were not taken, it would not shy away from targeting terrorist threats.
In its more than 40-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States and the European Union – has been responsible for the deaths of 40,000 people, including women and children.
