The Turkish Defense Ministry announced that its forces destroyed 37 targets belonging to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) in northern Iraq.
According to a statement from the ministry, reported by Anadolu Agency, an air operation targeted PKK positions in the Gara, Hakurk, Qandil, and Asos regions of northern Iraq.
The operation resulted in the destruction of 37 targets, including shelters, caves, and depots used by the terrorist organization.
Kifah Mahmoud, an expert on Iraqi and Kurdish affairs, confirmed that “for several months, there have been allegations that groups linked to the PKK are conducting sabotage operations in Erbil and Duhok, targeting the local economy.”
In an interview with Sputnik, Mahmoud stated, “For several months, there have been indications that groups connected to the PKK are carrying out organized operations in the region’s provinces, particularly in the capital Erbil and Duhok province, affecting the local economy, especially the economic activities of citizens.”
Mahmoud added, “Recently, large popular markets in Erbil have been set on fire, causing financial losses exceeding $100 million in both Erbil and Duhok.
The fires ignited by these groups have devastated some of the largest markets in the centre of Duhok city.”
In June, Turkish media revealed that “Ankara might resort to military action in Syria during the summer due to the activities of the banned PKK in the country.”
Previously, the newspaper Gerccek Gündem reported, citing sources within the Turkish Defense Ministry, that “Turkey is closely monitoring U.S. activities in Syria related to the PKK, which is recognized as a terrorist organization in Turkey.”
