Ankara, October 24, 2024: Turkey has launched a series of airstrikes targeting Kurdish militant positions in northern Iraq and Syria, in what officials describe as a large-scale anti-terror operation. The strikes are aimed at dismantling strongholds of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and its Syrian affiliate, the YPG, both of which Ankara considers terrorist organizations.
The Turkish Defense Ministry confirmed the operation, stating that the air raids were conducted to neutralize terrorist threats along Turkey’s southern border. According to the ministry, the strikes hit several key militant hideouts, weapons depots, and command centers.
These operations come in response to recent attacks within Turkey, which Ankara claims were orchestrated by PKK and YPG militants. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan emphasized that the military actions are part of a broader strategy to ensure the security of the nation and prevent cross-border terrorism.
The airstrikes have raised concerns over potential civilian casualties and regional instability, with both Iraq and Syria condemning the attacks as violations of their sovereignty. However, Turkey maintains that its actions are in line with its right to self-defense under international law. This latest military escalation highlights the ongoing conflict between Turkey and Kurdish groups, which has persisted for decades, affecting regional security and diplomatic relations.
