STORY: Türkiye carries out airstrikes against PKK targets in N. Iraq
DATELINE: Sept. 17, 2023
LENGTH: 00:01:03
LOCATION: Ankara
CATEGORY: MILITARY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of Turkish defense ministry 
2. various of anti-terror operation of Turkish air forces against PKK (FILE)
3. various of the militants of PKK 
4. various of anti-terror operation of Turkish air forces against PKK (FILE)
5. various of the militants of PKK 
6. various of anti-terror operation of Turkish air forces against PKK (FILE)

STORYLINE:

The Turkish military carried out two airstrikes against the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) targets in northern Iraq, Türkiye's Defense Ministry said Saturday.

The air operations, conducted on Sept. 13 and Sept. 15, targeted PKK hideouts in the Gara region, destroying a total of 31 targets, "neutralizing" senior group members, according to a statement from the ministry.

The targets included caves, shelters, and caches used by the PKK members, the ministry said.

Turkish authorities often use the term "neutralized" in their statements to imply the "terrorists" in question surrendered or were killed or captured.

The operations were conducted in line with Türkiye's "right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter," it said, adding that "every precaution was taken to ensure that innocent civilians, friendly elements, historical and cultural assets, as well as the environment, were not harmed."

The Turkish security forces often conduct cross-border operations in northern Iraq, a region holding hideouts and bases of PKK militants, from where they carry out attacks against Türkiye.

The PKK, listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the United States, and the European Union, has rebelled against the Turkish government for more than three decades.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Ankara.
(XHTV)