Turkiye reports several military personnel killed and injured in attack in Iraq
The Ministry of Defense of Turkiye reported an attack on soldiers in Iraq (photo: aa.com.tr)
The Ministry of National Defense of Turkiye has reported an attack on military personnel in northern Iraq, resulting in the death of three soldiers and injuries to four others, according to the Turkish agency Anadolu.
According to the Turkish Defense Ministry, the attack on the military was carried out by representatives of a separatist terrorist organization in northern Iraq.
"The operation against the separatist terrorist organization continues in the region. In response to the heinous terrorist attack, sudden airstrikes were carried out on identified targets and the escape routes of the terrorists," the statement said.
The Ministry of Defense of Turkiye also added that, according to preliminary data, four militants were neutralized.
Turkish operations in Iraq and Syria
Last winter, Turkiye's Minister of National Defense, Hulusi Akar, stated that the army, as part of the operation Pençe Kılıç (Claw Sword) in northern Iraq and Syria against members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), neutralized 364 militants and destroyed shelters, weapon depots, and headquarters.
This Claw Sword operation followed the explosion on November 13, 2022, on Istanbul's bustling Istiklal Avenue, which resulted in the death of 6 people and 81 injuries.
Ankara then blamed Kurdish militias for the attack. However, no group claimed responsibility for the Istanbul explosion, and the PKK and SDF (Syrian Democratic Forces led by Kurds) denied involvement.
