Turkey launches offensive against PKK bases in northern Iraq

In a swift and determined response, Turkey has initiated a military operation targeting PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party) strongholds in northern Iraq.

This comes in the wake of a devastating bombing incident that shook the Turkish capital, Ankara. The PKK, recognized as a terrorist organization by Turkey and its Western allies, has claimed responsibility for the attack, underscoring the ongoing conflict that has spanned four decades.

The bombing, which took place in a district housing several ministries and the Turkish parliament, prompted Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to address the nation. President Erdogan swiftly condemned the “terrorists” responsible for the attack and asserted that they would not succeed in disrupting peace and security for Turkish citizens.

According to the interior ministry, the attackers arrived in a commercial vehicle at around 9:30 am local time in front of the General Directorate of Security of the Ministry of the Interior. They carried out a bomb attack, resulting in one attacker detonating an explosive device while the other was neutralized by security forces before he could do the same. Two police officers sustained minor injuries during the exchange of fire but were not in critical condition.

The Ankara prosecutor’s office has initiated an investigation into the incident and imposed restrictions on access to the area. Local media outlets have been urged to refrain from broadcasting images from the attack site.

In a statement to the ANF news agency, known for its close ties to the Kurdish movement, the PKK claimed responsibility for what they termed a “sacrificial action” against the Turkish Interior Ministry.

Simultaneously, Turkish military planes launched airstrikes in northern Iraq’s Bradost region and the village of Badran, with the Turkish defense ministry acknowledging an “air operation” aimed at “neutralizing the PKK.” The ministry reported that 20 targets utilized by the PKK had been successfully destroyed.

President Erdogan also took the opportunity to criticize the European Union during his address, expressing frustration over the stalled Turkish membership bid. He stated that Turkey no longer expects anything from the EU, citing unfulfilled promises and asserting that he would not entertain any new demands or conditions for Turkey’s accession to the bloc.