Turkish security forces neutralize 14 PKK terrorists in Northern Iraq VIDEO

Turkish security forces have neutralized 14 PKK (Kurdistan Workers' Party) terrorists in northern Iraq.

The operation targeted terrorists in the Hakurk, Metina, and Gara regions, Türkiye’s National Defence Ministry confirmed via social media platform X, Caliber.Az reports.

Türk Silahlı Kuvvetlerimiz, milletimizden aldığı güçle terörist temizliğine güçlü şekilde devam ediyor.

Irak’ın kuzeyindeki Hakurk ile Gara ve Metina bölgelerinde tespit edilen 14 PKK’lı terörist etkisiz hâle getirildi.

Terörü kaynağında yok etmeye azimliyiz, kararlıyız!… pic.twitter.com/aNEnp8w0nx

— T.C. Millî Savunma Bakanlığı (@tcsavunma) December 27, 2024

The statement underscored Türkiye's commitment to eradicating terrorism at its source.

The term "neutralize" is commonly used by Turkish authorities to indicate that the terrorists have either been killed, captured, or have surrendered.

The PKK, which has long used northern Iraq as a base for planning cross-border attacks into Türkiye, has been responsible for over 40,000 deaths during its 40-year terror campaign, including innocent civilians such as women, children, and the elderly. 

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