Expect more Turkish operations taking place simultaneously in Iraq and Syria.
Dubbed "Winter Eagle", the aerial operation hit YPG/PKK terror group's bases, ammunition depots and training camps in northern regions of neighbouring Iraq and Syria, Defence Ministry says.
Despite the terror group’s cynical exploitation of the Yazidis in Sinjar, the community rejected the PKK-linked alternative to vote in favour of the ruling KDP.
Turkey’s success in eliminating the PKK in the region will determine its future in Sinjar and Mosul.
Tehran’s strategy has been to use its Shia militias to assist the PKK and exploit the terror group against Turkey, which it views as a threat in Iraq.
Turkey-Iraq, as well as Turkey-Erbil cooperation, will bring important developments in the coming period in fighting terrorism, Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar says following his visit to the neighbouring country.
A recent agreement between Erbil and Baghdad on the status of Sinjar region has appeared to be a tipping point for recent clashes between the PKK terrorists and the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG).
Kurdish Regional Government Cabinet Spokesman Sefin Dizayi reiterated the call for the PKK to leave Sinjar district in Mosul province.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Hami Aksoy says PKK terror group has for many years used northern Iraqi soil as launchpad to attack Turkey, leaving Ankara with no option other than military operation.
Turkish Defense Ministry said drones, refueling aircrafts and over 20 warplanes used in the overnight operation that was conducted was conducted to “neutralise” PKK/KCK/PYD/YPG and other terrorist elements.
Air strikes on PKK terror targets in northern Iraq have been carried out regularly since July 2015, when the PKK resumed its terror campaign against Turkey. On Monday, a new phase in the operation was announced by the Turkish president.
In Ankara's recent talks with Baghdad, the fight against the PKK in Iraq and reconstruction of the country top the agenda. But how and for how long has the PKK been based in Iraq, Turkey's neighbouring country in the southeast? We break it down:
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