Turkish Security Forces Neutralize 11 Terrorists in Northern Iraq and Northern Syria

Ankara, The Gulf Observer: In a significant counter-terrorism operation, the Turkish security forces have successfully neutralized 11 terrorists in separate operations conducted in northern Iraq and northern Syria, according to an official statement from the National Defence Ministry.

The ministry reported that the Turkish Armed Forces, in the Operation Claw-Lock area in northern Iraq, neutralized 10 PKK terrorists. Additionally, one PKK/YPG terrorist was identified and neutralized in the Operation Euphrates Shield region in northern Syria. The term “neutralize” in this context implies that the terrorists either surrendered, were captured, or killed during the operations.

The ministry emphasized that, “For terrorists, nowhere is safe,” underscoring the commitment of the Turkish authorities to counter-terrorism efforts.

The PKK, designated as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the US, and the EU, has been engaged in a terror campaign against Türkiye for more than 35 years, resulting in the tragic deaths of over 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants.

Northern Iraq has often served as a refuge for PKK terrorists who use the region to plan and launch cross-border attacks into Türkiye. The YPG, identified as the PKK’s Syrian offshoot, further complicates the security situation in the region.

The ongoing efforts to eradicate terrorism led Türkiye to initiate Operation Claw-Lock in April 2022. This operation specifically targets the PKK’s hideouts in Iraq’s northern Metina, Zap, and Avasin-Basyan regions near the Turkish border.

Highlighting its commitment to regional stability, Türkiye has successfully conducted three anti-terror operations across its northern Syrian border since 2016. These operations—Euphrates Shield (2016), Olive Branch (2018), and Peace Spring (2019)—aim to prevent the formation of a PKK/YPG terror corridor and foster a peaceful settlement for the residents in the affected areas.