Turkish forces 'neutralise' 21 PKK terrorists in north Iraq, Syria: Akar

Türkiye launched Operation Claw-Lock final 12 months in April to focus on the PKK hideouts within the Metina, Zap and Avasin-Basyan areas of northern Iraq, situated close to the Turkish border.

Akar said, — Akar stated, “This struggle will continue until we ensure the security of our borders and our nation.”
(AA Archive)

Turkish safety forces have neutralised 21 terrorists over the previous 4 days in northern Syria and Iraq, the nation’s defence chief has stated.

Speaking at an occasion in central Kayseri province on Saturday, Minister of National Defense Hulusi Akar known as consideration to the success of Turkish troops in combating terrorism in these areas.

“We just received another (piece of) news. Three terrorists were neutralised by Turkish soldiers in Zap (region in northern Iraq). Thus, the number of terrorists neutralised in the last four days has reached 21.”

“This struggle will continue until we ensure the security of our borders and our nation,” Akar vowed.

Akar additional acknowledged that the PKK terror group served as a “tool in the hands of imperialists” to hinder Türkiye however reiterated the nation’s dedication to get rid of the group.

In its greater than 35-year terror marketing campaign towards Türkiye, the PKK — listed as a terrorist group by Türkiye, the US, and the EU — has been chargeable for the deaths of greater than 40,000 individuals, together with ladies, youngsters, and infants.
It additionally has a department in northern Syria referred to as the YPG.

Earlier within the day, the National Defence Ministry stated safety forces have “neutralised” three PKK terrorists in northern Iraq.

The terrorists have been focused in airstrikes within the Operation Claw-Lock zone, the ministry stated on Twitter on Saturday.

Turkish authorities use the time period “neutralise” to suggest the PKK members in query both surrendered, have been killed, or captured.

PKK militants have hideouts in northern Iraq, throughout the Turkish border, which they use to plot assaults on Türkiye.

Türkiye’s Operation Claw-Lock was preceded by two operations – Claw-Tiger and Claw-Eagle – launched in 2020 to root out members of the group hiding out in northern Iraq.

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