Turkish army neutralises two terrorists in northern Iraq

The Turkish army has neutralized two PKK terrorists in northern Iraq.

The terrorists were neutralized in the area of Pençe-Kilit operation, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Turkish Ministry of National Defense.

On February 17, Turkish serviceman Salih Ay was killed in a clash with terrorists in the area of Pençe-Kilit operation.

Since 2016, Ankara has launched a trio of successful anti-terror operations across its border in northern Syria to prevent the formation of a terror corridor and enable the peaceful settlement of residents: Euphrates Shield (2016), Olive Branch (2018), and Peace Spring (2019).

Türkiye launched Operation Claw-Lock in April 2022 to target the PKK terror group’s hideouts in Iraq’s northern Metina, Zap, and Avasin-Basyan regions near the Turkish border.

It was preceded by Operations Claw-Tiger and Claw-Eagle, launched in 2020 to root out terrorists hiding out in northern Iraq and plotting cross-border attacks in Türkiye.

In its more than 35-year terror campaign against Türkiye, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organisation by Türkiye, the US, and EU – has been responsible for the deaths of over 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants. The YPG is its Syrian branch.