Turkish forces neutralize nine PKK terrorists in northern Iraq

The Turkish Armed Forces have successfully carried out an air operation targeting PKK militants in northern Iraq. 

The Turkish Ministry of National Defence made a post on its X account, saying the operation took place between November 29 and December 1, 2024, Caliber.Az reports.

Türk Silahlı Kuvvetlerimiz, teröristlere nefes aldırmıyor!

Irak’ın kuzeyine 29 Kasım-1 Aralık 2024 tarihlerinde düzenlenen hava harekâtları sonucunda Hakurk bölgesinde 6 ve Gara bölgesinde 3 PKK'lı terörist olmak üzere toplam 9 PKK'lı terörist etkisiz hâle getirildi.

Terörü… pic.twitter.com/aYLSg39gwd

— T.C. Millî Savunma Bakanlığı (@tcsavunma) December 4, 2024

As a result of the airstrikes, a total of nine PKK terrorists were neutralized—six in the Hakurk region and three in the Gara region. The Turkish Ministry highlighted that the country's military remains determined and fully equipped to eliminate terrorism at its source.

The operation underscores Türkiye's ongoing commitment to combatting terrorist threats in its efforts to safeguard national security.

Note that, the PKK (Kurdistan Workers' Party) is a globally recognized terrorist organization, with numerous countries, including the EU, US, Canada, and Australia, designating it as such. Founded in 1984, PKK's violent campaign has led to over 40,000 deaths, primarily targeting Turkish police, military, civilians, and infrastructure.

The group follows an ideology rooted in Marxism-Leninism and separatist ethnonationalism, seeking to disrupt Türkiye's social cohesion and hinder integration efforts for its Kurdish citizens. The PKK has been involved in various illegal activities, including extortion, arms smuggling, and drug trafficking.

Historically, PKK found refuge in Syria until 1998, when its leader Abdullah Öcalan was forced to flee and was later captured by Turkish authorities. The group also established camps in northern Iraq, from where it continues to launch attacks into Türkiye. 

PKK's financial network is complex, involving criminal activities and unlawful fundraising, with significant investigations ongoing across Europe. The US Department of the Treasury has sanctioned several high-ranking PKK members for involvement in narcotics trafficking.

PKK's affiliates, including PYD/YPG in Syria, share the same leadership and tactics, strengthening its transnational terrorist network. Despite its global designations, the PKK continues to exploit democratic freedoms in Europe and recruit new members.

By Aghakazim Guliyev