Turkish air strikes disrupt PKK operations in northern Iraq, 11 terrorists killed VIDEO

The Turkish Air Force has successfully neutralized 11 PKK (Kurdistan Workers' Party) terrorists during a targeted operation in northern Iraq, a statement from the Turkish Ministry of National Defence said.

The ministry shared the update on its official social media account X, confirming the success of the airstrike, Caliber.Az reports.

Türk Silahlı Kuvvetlerimiz, teröristlere nefes aldırmıyor!

Irak’ın kuzeyindeki Hakurk, Metina ve Gara bölgelerinde tespit edilen 11 PKK’lı terörist etkisiz hâle getirildi.

Terörü kaynağında yok etmeye azimliyiz, kararlıyız! #MillîSavunmaBakanlığı pic.twitter.com/lL98P7DF1R

— T.C. Millî Savunma Bakanlığı (@tcsavunma) January 11, 2025

The military operation took place in the regions of Hakurk, Metina, and Gara, areas where PKK militants have been known to operate.

The PKK has been engaged in a violent insurgency against Türkiye since 1984. It operates primarily from mountainous regions in northern Iraq, near the Turkish border, where it establishes hideouts and training camps.

The group has carried out numerous attacks, targeting civilians, military personnel, and infrastructure across Türkiye. Recognised as a terrorist organisation by Türkiye, the United States, and the European Union, the PKK’s violent activities have led to the deaths of over 40,000 people, including innocent civilians, women, children, and the elderly.

The PKK’s ideological foundation stems from its goal of creating an independent Kurdish state or autonomous Kurdish regions within Türkiye. Over time, its tactics have shifted from conventional warfare to asymmetric strategies, including bombings, assassinations, and ambushes. Despite several peace processes, the conflict remains unresolved, with continued instability in the region.

The group's presence in northern Iraq complicates international relations, with Türkiye frequently conducting military operations in pursuit of PKK militants, which strains diplomatic relations between Türkiye and Iraq, as well as Türkiye and other regional actors. The PKK’s enduring presence in the region continues to pose significant challenges to the security and stability of the broader Middle East.

By Vafa Guliyeva