Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has affirmed that his nation will persist in cross-border endeavors against the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) until the entire northern Iraq region is cleared. Speaking at a press conference following a cabinet meeting in Ankara, Erdogan emphasized the commitment to securing every inch of the northern Iraq mountains, identified as the source of terrorist activities.
In the past five days, Turkey's air operations in Syria and Iraq targeted 114 locations, resulting in the neutralization of 78 "terrorists." The military campaign was initiated in response to a PKK attack on January 12, leading to the death of nine Turkish soldiers in northern Iraq. Erdogan expressed concern over efforts to fortify the PKK through the provision of weapons, training, ammunition, and shelters, without specifying the supporters.
Highlighting the thwarting of plots intending to drag Turkey into internal turmoil through irregular migration, Erdogan underscored the significance of cross-border operations. He asserted that regardless of external threats or opinions, Ankara would implement additional measures against terrorism in the upcoming months.
The Turkish Parliament recently passed a joint declaration against terrorism, declaring Turkey's unwavering strength to combat various terrorist groups domestically and internationally. The statement urged other countries and international organizations to take a resolute stance against terror acts targeting Turkey.
In response to heightened tensions after the killing of Turkish soldiers, Turkish security forces intensified cross-border operations against PKK in northern Iraq and the Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) in northern Syria. The YPG is perceived by Turkey as the Syrian extension of the PKK. The PKK, recognized as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US, and the European Union, has been in conflict with the Ankara government for over three decades.
(With Agency Inputs)
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