Turkey Neutralizes 59 Terrorists in Air Operations Across Iraq and Syria
Turkey’s National Defense Minister has disclosed the country’s execution of air operations on 71 targets across Iraq and northern Syria, resulting in the neutralization of 59 individuals classified as terrorists. The military action underscores Turkey’s persistent efforts to counteract threats to its national security and combat regional terrorism. The strikes form part of Turkey’s overarching counterterrorism strategy, which frequently involves cross-border operations targeting groups Ankara perceives as terrorist organizations, typically Kurdish militants such as the PKK and other factions linked to domestic security threats.
Ankara’s Counterterrorism Offensive
The recent operations saw Turkish intelligence teams destroy close to 50 facilities associated with the PKK terror group in various Syrian cities. These operations targeted high-ranking terrorists and discovered materials used by the terror group, produced in their Syrian facilities. The operations prioritized civilian safety and residential structures, reflecting Turkey’s effort to combat terrorism without causing undue harm to innocent bystanders. This action followed a PKK terror attack that killed 12 Turkish soldiers in northern Iraq, propelling Ankara’s offensive.
Neutralizing Key Threats
Among the neutralized individuals was Zeynep Avery, a senior PKK terrorist who was allegedly responsible for the activities of the PKK/KCK women’s wing of the terrorist organization along the Iran-Iraq border. Known by the codename ‘Arien Are,’ Avery was reportedly planning to carry out attacks against military bases in northern Iraq. Turkish intelligence also neutralized several other PKK terrorists in Iraq and northern Syria, including the rural Penjavin region of Iraq’s Sulaymaniyah city.
Unyielding Stand Against Terrorism
The Turkish operations, while significant, are part of a larger battle against the PKK, a group deemed a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union. Over its 35-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK has been responsible for the deaths of more than 40,000 people. Despite Ankara’s efforts to resolve the situation, the PKK resumed armed attacks in July 2015. Turkey’s recent actions reflect its resolute stand against terrorism and its commitment to safeguarding national security.
Source » bnnbreaking.com