Turkish armed forces surround PKK detachments in northern Iraq VIDEO / MAP

The Turkish Armed Forces have successfully surrounded detachments of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) terrorist organisation in northern Iraq.

The operation, aimed at eliminating the PKK presence in the region, has been conducted in collaboration with the Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government, Caliber.Az reports citing the Turkish National Defence Ministry’s message on X.

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“Commandos landed on difficult terrain by using a cable during an airborne operation in northern Iraq,” the message says.

Turkish commandos executed an airborne operation, landing in challenging terrain using cables to secure strategic positions.

The PKK detachments in the region have been cut off from supplies, with the Turkish army shelling the area to weaken their positions.

Turkish special forces are conducting intensive search operations in the villages of Dergele and Miska. Operations are also ongoing in Sidekan village in Erbil, approximately 35 kilometres from the Turkish border, and Bradost village, located 27 kilometers deep into Iraqi territory.

The operation is a joint effort with the regional government of Iraqi Kurdistan, involving Peshmerga units working alongside Turkish forces.

The operation covers a 300-kilometre-long and 40-kilometre-wide area in northern Iraq, highlighting the extensive reach of the Turkish military efforts against the PKK.

- Forces Involved:

  - Blue: Turkish Armed Forces

  - Brown: PKK Detachments

  - Green: Peshmerga Units of the Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government

The operation signifies Türkiye's continued commitment to countering PKK activities and ensuring regional stability. By collaborating with the Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government, Türkiye aims to dismantle the PKK's operational capabilities and establish control over strategic areas in northern Iraq.

The ongoing military efforts underscore the complex dynamics of the region, involving multiple actors and intricate geopolitical considerations. The successful containment and potential elimination of the PKK in this area are seen as pivotal in reducing the group's influence and operational capacity.

The Kurdistan Workers' Party, commonly known as the PKK, is a militant Kurdish nationalist and separatist organisation based primarily in southeastern Türkiye and northern Iraq. The PKK continues to engage in sporadic attacks against Turkish military and civilian targets. Turkish military operations, such as those in northern Iraq, aim to weaken PKK presence and operational capabilities. The PKK remains a significant actor in the Kurdish nationalist movement, shaping regional dynamics and influencing Kurdish political aspirations in Türkiye and beyond.