Turkish Soldier Killed in Northern Iraq Clashes

Ankara, The Gulf Observer: A Turkish soldier, Infantry Staff Sergeant Mehmet Ali Horoz, was killed in clashes with terrorists in northern Iraq, Türkiye’s Ministry of National Defence announced on Friday.

The incident occurred during search and sweep operations in the Claw-Lock operation zone. The ministry expressed deep sorrow over the loss, stating, “We wish Allah’s mercy on our martyr who lost his life in this incident, which has caused us deep pain and sorrow, and our condolences and patience to his bereaved family, the Turkish Armed Forces, and our noble nation.”

During the engagement, three terrorists were “neutralised,” a term used by Turkish authorities to indicate that the terrorists were either killed, captured, or had surrendered. The operations in the area are ongoing, the ministry added. Although the terrorists’ affiliation was not specified, the PKK terror group, active in the region, is a primary suspect.

The PKK, listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the US, and the EU, has waged a nearly 40-year terror campaign against Türkiye, resulting in over 40,000 deaths, including women, children, and infants. In April 2022, Türkiye launched Operation Claw-Lock to target PKK hideouts in Iraq’s northern Metina, Zap, and Avasin-Basyan regions near the Turkish border.

Several high-ranking Turkish officials have extended their condolences. Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz expressed his sorrow on X, saying, “I wish Allah’s mercy upon our heroic soldier, Infantry Staff Sergeant Mehmet Ali Horoz, who was martyred in the Pence-Kilit Operation zone. I extend my condolences and patience to his family and loved ones.”

National Defence Minister Yasar Guler also offered his condolences, stating, “On behalf of myself and the members of the Ministry of National Defence, I wish Allah’s mercy upon our heroic martyr, patience and condolences to his grieving family and relatives.”

Chief of General Staff Metin Gurak echoed these sentiments, saying, “On behalf of myself and the members of the Turkish Armed Forces, I wish Allah’s mercy upon our heroic comrade-in-arms, patience and condolences to his grieving family and relatives.”