Turkish intelligence neutralises two key PKK figures in Iraq

The National Intelligence Organization of Türkiye (MİT) has neutralized two dangerous PKK terrorists in the Sulaymaniyah region of northern Iraq.

Security sources in Türkiye reported that the terrorists, identified as Ceyza Selber, also known as "Berfin Roş," and Emine Ulaş, codenamed "Tekoshin Dilgesh," were involved in collecting tribute for the PKK from the local population. They operated as so-called "social service" workers for the criminal organization on the ground, Caliber.Az reports, citing Turkish media.

Turkish intelligence indicates that Selber and Ulaş maintained close contact with leaders of the violent terrorist organization. Following orders received from higher-ups, the two terrorists collected money from the people of Sulaymaniyah under the guise of taxes, using the funds to recruit new fighters for the PKK to carry out attacks on Turkish security forces.

In addition, Selber and Ulaş provided logistical support to the PKK, identified young recruits for the organization, and transmitted "action instructions" to members of the so-called "youth wing" of the PKK in Türkiye.

Both terrorists had joined the PKK in 1999 and were on the wanted list.

Notably, since 2016, Türkiye has conducted three major operations to eliminate terrorist threats along its southern borders and to protect local communities. These operations — Euphrates Shield (2016), Olive Branch (2018), and Peace Spring (2019) — were undertaken by the Turkish Armed Forces in northern Syria.

The PKK, which is accountable for the deaths of over 40,000 people, including women and children, has been classified as a terrorist organisation by both the United States and the European Union.

By Khagan Isayev