Turkish airstrikes hit Kurdish militant targets in Iraq, Syria

Turkish airstrikes hit Kurdish militant targets in Iraq, Syria

Turkey has launched airstrikes against the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in Iraq and the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) in Syria, the Defence Ministry in Ankara announced.

IANSUpdated: Thursday, February 03, 2022, 02:07 PM IST
article-image
Representative image |

Ankara: Turkey has launched airstrikes against the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in Iraq and the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) in Syria, the Defence Ministry in Ankara announced.

The operation, dubbed Winter Eagle, was aimed at destroying shelters, bunkers, caves, tunnels, ammunition depots, headquarters, and training camps in areas of Derik, Sincar, and Karacak, Xinhua news agency cited the Ministry as saying in a statement

Turkish warplanes returned to their bases safely after the military operation, according to the statement, which did not specify the number of casualties.

The airstrikes aimed at "neutralizing terrorist elements in order to eradicate terrorist attacks against our people and security forces from the north of Iraq and Syria and to ensure our border security", said the statement.

The word "neutralise" is often used by Turkish authorities to refer to "terrorists" killed, wounded, or arrested during security operations.

Turkey has carried out a number of ground operations and airstrikes in northern Iraq in the past to target hideouts and bases of the PKK, a group outlawed by Ankara as a terror organisation seeking autonomy in the southeastern part of the country.

The YPG is seen by Ankara as the PKK's Syrian branch.

Turkish forces and YPG members frequently exchange fire on the Syrian border.

RECENT STORIES

Who Was Yahya Sinwar? Hamas Leader Killed In Israeli Airstrike In Gaza

Who Was Yahya Sinwar? Hamas Leader Killed In Israeli Airstrike In Gaza

'26 Extradition Request Sent By India To Canada For Criminals & Lawrence Bishnoi Gangster But No...

'26 Extradition Request Sent By India To Canada For Criminals & Lawrence Bishnoi Gangster But No...

Fact Check: Did Pakistani Minister Try To Sexually Assault A Woman On Video Amid Students' Protest...

Fact Check: Did Pakistani Minister Try To Sexually Assault A Woman On Video Amid Students' Protest...

'China Ranks Worst In Internet Freedom Globally,' Says US Freedom House Report

'China Ranks Worst In Internet Freedom Globally,' Says US Freedom House Report

'Only Confirms What We Have Been Saying,' MEA On Canada PM's Admission Of Not Providing 'Hard Proof'...

'Only Confirms What We Have Been Saying,' MEA On Canada PM's Admission Of Not Providing 'Hard Proof'...