Turkey launched airstrikes against PKK targets in northern Iraq and Syria following a deadly attack in Ankara. The Turkish Interior Minister implied that the PKK was responsible for the assault, underscoring ongoing tensions between the militant group and the Turkish state.
Turkey conducted airstrikes targeting the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in northern Iraq and Syria, following a lethal attack on an aviation facility in Ankara. The Turkish Ministry of Defence confirmed these operations took place on Wednesday. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya indicated that the assailants involved in the Ankara attack were likely members of the PKK, further linking the attacks back to the organization, which has been involved in decades-long conflict with the Turkish state.
The Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) is recognized as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union. The PKK has been engaged in an armed struggle against the Turkish government since the 1980s, with the goal of securing greater autonomy for Kurds in Turkey. The recent escalation in military action may be attributed to ongoing tensions in the region, particularly after attacks on Turkish soil that have been widely attributed to PKK militants. The situation is compounded by Turkey’s strategic military operations aimed at eliminating PKK strongholds in bordering nations, particularly Iraq and Syria, where the PKK has established a significant presence.
The airstrikes executed by Turkey against PKK targets point to the ongoing conflict and tension surrounding the Kurdish militant group and the Turkish government’s efforts to curb its influence in the region. The attack in Ankara that preceded these military actions underscores the intricate and volatile nature of security in Turkey, where the PKK remains a persistent threat. As such, Turkey’s military operations are likely to continue as part of its broader strategy against entities it labels as terrorist organizations.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
