January 19, 2024
2 mins read

Turkey may conduct new operations in Iraq, Syria

The clashes were in the Zap region of northern Iraq, when PKK militants attacked a security point set up by Turkish Armed Forces at an altitude of 1,740 metres, a Turkish defence ministry official said…reports Asian Lite News

Turkey might conduct more cross-border operations into Iraq and Syria if needed following the deaths of nine Turkish soldiers in northern Iraq last week, a Turkish defence ministry official said on Thursday.

The nine were killed in clashes with the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants, prompting Ankara to conduct air strikes and other operations in northern Iraq and northern Syria.

“Under international law and self-defence, Turkey has every right to conduct operations for its border security. Turkish Armed Forces has done and will do whatever needed where and when necessary,” the defence ministry official told reporters.

The clashes were in the Zap region of northern Iraq, when PKK militants attacked a security point set up by Turkish Armed Forces at an altitude of 1,740 metres, a Turkish defence ministry official said.

Turkey has since 2019 conducted a series of cross-border operations in northern Iraq against the PKK dubbed “Claw.” The official said Zap was where the operation “Claw-Lock” is taking place, aimed at making the Turkish-Iraqi border completely safe.

On Jan. 12, PKK members conducted simultaneous attacks on several Turkish bases in northern Iraq in bad weather and poor visibility, and all but one of the attacks were prevented by Turkish soldiers, the official said.

The PKK, designated a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States and the European Union, took up arms against the Turkish state in 1984. More than 40,000 people have been killed in the insurgency.

The conflict was long fought mainly in rural areas of southeastern Turkey but is now more focused on the mountains of northern Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, where PKK militants are based.

“In our fight with terrorism, Syria and Iraq are inseparable. Syria is the main human resource of the terror organisation, there’s a frequent transition between Syria and Iraq,” the official said.

Turkey has also staged military incursions in Syria’s north against the YPG militia, which it regards as a wing of the PKK.

Turkey could conduct new cross-border operations into Iraq and Syria, and it could also expand its operation zones, if it needs to, the official added.

ALSO READ-Turkey bombs ‘terrorist targets’ in Iraq and Syria

Previous Story

Denmark to join Britain-US coalition against Houthis

Next Story

‘We have begun discussions with UK about Falkland Islands’

Latest from -Top News

US deports 2,790 Indians in 2025

The MEA on Thursday confirmed that over 2,790 Indians were deported from the US this year after authorities verified their identity and nationality….reports Asian Lite News The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on

India–Cyprus talks on future plan

EAM Jaishankar expressed appreciation for Cyprus’ support for India on cross-border terrorism….reports Asian Lite News External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos met in New Delhi on Thursday

Rajnath Singh off for ASEAN meet

Singh is expected to hold bilateral meetings with counterparts from the participating ADMM-Plus nations ..reports Asian Lite News Defence Minister Rajnath Singh departed for Kuala Lumpur on Thursday to attend the 12th

India, South Africa boost cultural bonds

On Wednesday, Shekhawat participated in the 4th G20 Cultural Working Group Plenary Meeting under South Africa’s G20 Presidency. ..reports Asian Lite News Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat met
Go toTop