Turkish War Against ISIS & PKK

[Khafee]

Turkish Military Launches Operation Against PKK in Northern Iraq
Tuesday, 28 May, 2019

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan gestures as he delivers a speech at a rally of his ruling party in Istanbul, Turkey, March 5, 2019. Credit: Lefteris Pitarakis, AP

Baghdad- Asharq Al-Awsat

Turkey’s military launched an operation with commandos, backed by artillery and air strikes, against Kurdish fighters in a mountainous area of northern Iraq, the defense ministry said on Tuesday.

The military action began with artillery and airstrikes on Monday afternoon and the operation by commando brigades began at 8 pm (1700 GMT) to “neutralize terrorists and destroy their shelters”, according to a ministry statement.

It said the operation targeted Iraq’s Hakurk region, just across the border from Turkey’s southeastern tip, which also borders Iran. The Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) group is based in northern Iraq, notably in the Qandil region to the south of Hakurk.

Video published by the ministry showed helicopters landing commandos on mountainous terrain. It also shared photos showing shells fired by howitzers and soldiers perched on ridges, surveying hillsides with their rifles.

“The operation, with the support of our attack helicopters, is continuing as planned,” the statement said. The military frequently launches air strikes against PKK targets in northern Iraq but ground operations are less common.

The PKK launched an insurgency in mainly Kurdish southeast Turkey in 1984 and more than 40,000 people have been killed in the conflict. It is designated a terrorist group by Ankara, the European Union, and the United States.

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Turkish Warplanes Strike Targets in Iraq, 19 Fighters 'Neutralized'
Thursday, 30 May, 2019

Pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) deputy Leyla Guven, who was jailed for a short while and who initially launched a hunger strike which other detainees then followed suit, speaks to the media as she leaves her home to go to a hospital on May 26, 2019 in Diyarbakir - AFP

Asharq Al-Awsat

Turkish attack helicopters and warplanes struck targets in the mountains of northern Iraq, Turkey's defense ministry said on Thursday.

The military had also "neutralized" 19 Kurdish fighters as its operation there entered the fourth day, the ministry added.

Two Turkish soldiers died on Wednesday from wounds sustained in a bomb blast during what was dubbed "Operation Claw", targeting Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in the Hakurk region, near Turkey's southeastern tip, Reuters reported, citing the ministry.

Warplanes also carried out strikes in border regions of northern Iraq west of Hakurk, destroying PKK gun positions, shelters and ammunition stores, the ministry noted.

The cross-border push began with artillery and air strikes on Monday before helicopters landed commandos in the region. The PKK is based in Iraq's Qandil area, south of Hakurk.

Meanwhile, the PKK confirmed on Wednesday that three of its fighters had been killed in Turkish air strikes in the Qandil region.

PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan, jailed on an island near Istanbul since 1999, was allowed to meet his lawyers this month for the first time in nearly eight years after a hunger strike by lawmakers and thousands of inmates, according to Reuters.

They ended their protest on Sunday in response to a call from Ocalan.

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Turkey says it has 'neutralized' 43 Kurdish militants in northern Iraq
June 8, 2019

ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Turkey’s Defence Ministry said on Saturday a total of 43 members of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) had been “neutralized” as part of an operation Ankara launched in northern Iraq 13 days ago.

The Turkish military launched what it dubbed “Operation Claw” in northern Iraq’s Hakurk region on June 27 with artillery and air strikes followed by operations by commando brigades.

The PKK militant group is based in northern Iraq, notably in the Qandil region to the south of Hakurk. Ankara said the operation aimed to destroy shelters and caves used by the PKK and “neutralize” its members - a term it commonly uses to refer to deaths, but also to those wounded or captured.
“43 PKK terrorists have been neutralized as part of Operation Claw, which has continued successfully for 13 days in the Hakurk region of northern Iraq,” the ministry said in a statement on Saturday.

It said 53 mines and improvised explosive devices had been destroyed and 74 caves and shelters used by the PKK made unusable, adding that it had also seized weapons and ammunition belonging to the militants.

Defence Minister Hulusi Akar has said the operation would continue in the region until “the last terrorist is neutralized”.

The PKK insurgency in mainly Kurdish southeast Turkey began in 1984 and more than 40,000 people have been killed in the conflict. It is designated a terrorist group by Ankara, the European Union and United States.

Turkey’s pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), the third largest in parliament, has said such operations create crises and that tens of similar operations in the past have not produced a solution.

Separately, two PKK members, one of whom was on Turkey’s wanted list, were “neutralized” in Turkey’s southeastern Diyarbakir province, as well as five others in the eastern Tunceli province, the Interior Ministry said.

Another PKK member was arrested in Diyarbakir at a traffic checkpoint, the local gendarmerie said.

Reporting by Ali Kucukgocmen; Editing by Elaine Hardcastle and Kevin Liffey

Turkey says it has 'neutralized' 43 Kurdish militants in northern Iraq

Turkey's Defence Ministry said on Saturday a total of 43 members of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) had been "neutralized" as part of an operation Ankara launched in northern Iraq 13 days ago.

www.reuters.com

 

[Khafee]

Turkey says it has 'neutralized' 43 Kurdish militants in northern Iraq
June 8, 2019

ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Turkey’s Defence Ministry said on Saturday a total of 43 members of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) had been “neutralized” as part of an operation Ankara launched in northern Iraq 13 days ago.

The Turkish military launched what it dubbed “Operation Claw” in northern Iraq’s Hakurk region on June 27 with artillery and air strikes followed by operations by commando brigades.

The PKK militant group is based in northern Iraq, notably in the Qandil region to the south of Hakurk. Ankara said the operation aimed to destroy shelters and caves used by the PKK and “neutralize” its members - a term it commonly uses to refer to deaths, but also to those wounded or captured.
“43 PKK terrorists have been neutralized as part of Operation Claw, which has continued successfully for 13 days in the Hakurk region of northern Iraq,” the ministry said in a statement on Saturday.

It said 53 mines and improvised explosive devices had been destroyed and 74 caves and shelters used by the PKK made unusable, adding that it had also seized weapons and ammunition belonging to the militants.

Defence Minister Hulusi Akar has said the operation would continue in the region until “the last terrorist is neutralized”.

The PKK insurgency in mainly Kurdish southeast Turkey began in 1984 and more than 40,000 people have been killed in the conflict. It is designated a terrorist group by Ankara, the European Union and United States.

Turkey’s pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), the third largest in parliament, has said such operations create crises and that tens of similar operations in the past have not produced a solution.

Separately, two PKK members, one of whom was on Turkey’s wanted list, were “neutralized” in Turkey’s southeastern Diyarbakir province, as well as five others in the eastern Tunceli province, the Interior Ministry said.

Another PKK member was arrested in Diyarbakir at a traffic checkpoint, the local gendarmerie said.

Reporting by Ali Kucukgocmen; Editing by Elaine Hardcastle and Kevin Liffey

Turkey says it has 'neutralized' 43 Kurdish militants in northern Iraq

Turkey's Defence Ministry said on Saturday a total of 43 members of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) had been "neutralized" as part of an operation Ankara launched in northern Iraq 13 days ago.

www.reuters.com

 

[Khafee]

Attack kills Turkish soldier in northern Syria
ANKARA- Anadolu Agency
June 09 2019

A Turkish soldier was killed and five others injured in an attack in northern Syria, the National Defense Ministry said on June 9.

Terrorists launched an anti-tank attack in Tel Rıfat district, according to a ministry statement.

Turkish forces responded with retaliatory fire, it added.

"We offer our condolences to the martyr's family, Turkish Armed Forces, and our nation,” the statement said, also wishing speedy recovery to the injured,” the statement said.

Attack kills Turkish soldier in northern Syria - Türkiye News

A Turkish soldier was killed and five others injured in an attack in northern Syria, the National Defense Ministry said on June 9.

www.hurriyetdailynews.com

 

[Khafee]

Turkey 'neutralizes' 10 PKK/YPG militants in Syria's north

Turkish security forces have “neutralized” 10 PKK/YPG militants in northern Syria, Turkey's Defense Ministry said on June 11.

The ministry said that a counter-terrorism operation was conducted in Tal Rifat region following an attack carried out by PKK/YPG in Syria's Afrin on June 9, in which a Turkish troop was martyred.

Turkish authorities often use the word "neutralized" in their statements to imply that the militants in question either surrendered or were killed or captured.

PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the European Union. The YPG/PYD is its Syrian branch.

In the meantime, Turkish security forces repelled harassment fire by PKK/YPG militants in the eastern border province of Iğdır, security sources said on June 11.

Militants opened fire at the Kurtömer border post along the Turkish-Iranian frontier through long-barreled firearms, said the sources, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

Turkish soldiers immediately responded to the attack, and after exchanging fire launched an operation to hunt down the fleeing militants, the sources added.

Turkey 'neutralizes' 10 PKK/YPG militants in Syria's north - Türkiye News

Turkish security forces have “neutralized” 10 PKK/YPG militants in northern Syria, Turkey's Defense Ministry said on June 11.

www.hurriyetdailynews.com

 

[Khafee]

Turkey 'neutralizes' 10 PKK/YPG militants in Syria's north
View attachment 7876

Turkish security forces have “neutralized” 10 PKK/YPG militants in northern Syria, Turkey's Defense Ministry said on June 11.

The ministry said that a counter-terrorism operation was conducted in Tal Rifat region following an attack carried out by PKK/YPG in Syria's Afrin on June 9, in which a Turkish troop was martyred.

Turkish authorities often use the word "neutralized" in their statements to imply that the militants in question either surrendered or were killed or captured.

PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the European Union. The YPG/PYD is its Syrian branch.

In the meantime, Turkish security forces repelled harassment fire by PKK/YPG militants in the eastern border province of Iğdır, security sources said on June 11.

Militants opened fire at the Kurtömer border post along the Turkish-Iranian frontier through long-barreled firearms, said the sources, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

Turkish soldiers immediately responded to the attack, and after exchanging fire launched an operation to hunt down the fleeing militants, the sources added.

Turkey 'neutralizes' 10 PKK/YPG militants in Syria's north - Türkiye News

Turkish security forces have “neutralized” 10 PKK/YPG militants in northern Syria, Turkey's Defense Ministry said on June 11.

www.hurriyetdailynews.com

 

[Khafee]

2 soldiers killed in clash with militants
June 12 2019
TUNCELİ- Anadolu Agency

Two Turkish soldiers, who were injured in a clash with militants in eastern Turkey, succumbed to their wounds, security sources said on June 12.

Four soldiers had been wounded late June 11 in an exchange of fire with militants in Tunceli province, said the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

The injured soldiers were rushed to Tunceli State Hospital, where two of them succumbed to their wounds.

The operation against the terrorists is ongoing in the area.

The sources did not specify the name of the militant group, but Tunceli province has previously seen terrorist acts by the PKK as well as other far-left terrorist groups.

PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU.

Meanwhile, four militants were neutralized in an anti-terror operation in the eastern Turkish province of Van, the Interior Ministry said on June 12.

Turkish authorities often use the word "neutralized" in their statements to imply that the militants in question either surrendered or were killed or captured.

The air-backed operation was launched near the Mt. Tendürek area in the Caldiran district, the ministry said in a written statement.

The operation in the area is continuing, the statement added.

2 soldiers killed in clash with terrorists - Türkiye News

Two Turkish soldiers, who were injured in a clash with terrorists in eastern Turkey, succumbed to their wounds, security sources said on June 12.

www.hurriyetdailynews.com

 

[Khafee]

2 soldiers killed in clash with militants
June 12 2019
TUNCELİ- Anadolu Agency

View attachment 7879

Two Turkish soldiers, who were injured in a clash with militants in eastern Turkey, succumbed to their wounds, security sources said on June 12.

Four soldiers had been wounded late June 11 in an exchange of fire with militants in Tunceli province, said the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

The injured soldiers were rushed to Tunceli State Hospital, where two of them succumbed to their wounds.

The operation against the terrorists is ongoing in the area.

The sources did not specify the name of the militant group, but Tunceli province has previously seen terrorist acts by the PKK as well as other far-left terrorist groups.

PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU.

Meanwhile, four militants were neutralized in an anti-terror operation in the eastern Turkish province of Van, the Interior Ministry said on June 12.

Turkish authorities often use the word "neutralized" in their statements to imply that the militants in question either surrendered or were killed or captured.

The air-backed operation was launched near the Mt. Tendürek area in the Caldiran district, the ministry said in a written statement.

The operation in the area is continuing, the statement added.

2 soldiers killed in clash with terrorists - Türkiye News

Two Turkish soldiers, who were injured in a clash with terrorists in eastern Turkey, succumbed to their wounds, security sources said on June 12.

www.hurriyetdailynews.com

 

[Khafee]

U.S., Turkish troops conduct new combined joint patrol in Syria
October 5, 2019

U.S. and Turkish military forces conduct the third ground combined joint patrol inside the security mechanism area in northeast Syria, Oct. 4, 2019.

The patrol allowed both militaries to observe first-hand progress on destroyed fortification that are a concern for Turkey.

The security mechanism is intended to address Turkey’s security concerns, maintain security in northeast Syria so Daesh cannot reemerge, and allow the Coalition to remain focused on achieving the enduring defeat of Daesh.

The U.S. is currently executing concrete steps to ensure the border area in northeast Syria remains stable and secure.

The Associated Press has reported that the patrol followed a telephone call late Thursday between Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar and U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper during which Akar reiterated that Turkey wont’ accept a delay in the creation of what it calls “a safe zone” and would act alone if necessary to set it up.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu was quoted as saying on Thursday that his country does not think its efforts with the US to form the safe zone will yield the results it wants and is ready to take action itself.

U.S. and Turkish troops have so far carried out half a dozen joint air missions over the zone in northeast Syria.

 

[Khafee]

Turkey attacks Kurdish targets in Iraq
June 15, 2020

The Turkish military on Monday launched Operation Claw-Eagle targeting Kurdish forces in northern Iraq. Photo courtesy of the Republic of Turkey Ministry of National Defense/Website

June 15 (UPI) -- Turkish warplanes struck dozens of Kurdish targets in northern Iraq out of self-defense, Turkey's National Defense Ministry said Monday.

"Operation Claw-Eagle has started," it announced via twitter. "Our planes are bringing the caves down on the terrorists' heads."

Eight-one targets consisting of shelters and caves of the Kurdistan Workers' Party, known as the PKK, were destroyed, it tweeted, and all aircraft returned unharmed to their bases.

The ministry said the attacks were conducted to ensure the security of its citizens and borders amid increased attempts by the PKK and other "terrorist elements" to attack police stations and military bases in the region.

"In line with our legitimate self-defense rights arising from international law, air operations were carried out in terrorist slots" in several areas in northern Iraq, it said.

Jets, unmanned aerial vehicles and refueling aircraft participated in the operation, Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency reported.

The number of casualties, if any, was not reported.

Minister of National Defense Hulusi Akar, Chief of General Staff Gen. Yasar Guler and other top officials oversaw the operation, the ministry said in a statement.

The PKK, which has been designated a terrorist organization by several countries, including the United States, first picked up arms against Turkey in 1984 when it initiated its separatist movement.

 

[Khafee]

Turkish Air Force bombed a refugee camp in Iraq during a military operation
By Editorial team
Jun 15, 2020

BAGHDAD, (BM) – More than 20 Turkish missiles were launched in the Mount Sinjar of the Nineveh Governorate by Turkish Air force, while three other missiles hit the Makhmour refugee camp, causing a massive explosion in the area, learned BulgarianMilitary.com citing AMN.

On Sunday, the Turkish Ministry of Defense announced the launch of the “Eagle Claw” military operation in northern Iraq against the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).

The Turkish Defense Ministry said on Sunday that “our planes are destroying terrorists’ burrows over their heads,” as their aircraft bombed several areas in the Sinjar region, including a site near a refugee camp.

The ministry said that “two terrorists were neutralized in an airstrike after surveillance operations in the areas of Zab, Afashin and Baysan in northern Iraq.”

The ministry pledged that operations against the PKK “will continue” until the last fighter is neutralized.

The Turkish forces launched airstrikes in the Sinjar and Qandil mountains, as well as the Makhmour Refugee Camp,.

In the past years, Turkish forces have carried out intensive operations against the PKK, whom they consider terrorists, in both Iraq and Syria.

Iraq has rejected Turkey’s operations and repeatedly demanded that they halt all hostilities and respect their territorial sovereignty.

The PKK and Turkish military were at war for several years in the latter part of the 20th Century, as the Kurdish group waged a long battle in the southern and eastern regions of the country.

Background
Terrorist acts in Iraq using explosives and firearms. Attacks accompanied by a large number of victims are carried out against the civilian population, law enforcement officers, and diplomatic missions of other states.

Islamic State or ISIS are responsible for some of the attacks. A common tactic is to undermine mined cars, as well as suicide bombings. Explosions are heard in mosques, markets, restaurants, during the funeral.

By the number of terrorist acts, Iraq is one of the hottest spots in the world. More than 40,000 people died from the attacks.