Turkey Neutralizes Nine PKK Members in Northern Iraq Operation

Turkey’s Defense Ministry announced on Wednesday that its military had successfully "neutralized" nine members of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) during a recent operation in northern Iraq. The targeted fighters were located in the Hakurk and Gara regions, key areas where PKK militants have entrenched positions.

While the statement did not specify the exact date of the operation, it reiterated Turkey’s strong stance against the PKK, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to striking terror targets effectively. The term "neutralized" is commonly used by the Turkish government to refer to combatants who have been killed, captured, or surrendered during military operations.

The PKK, which has been in conflict with the Turkish state since the 1980s, seeks greater autonomy for Kurds in Turkey. The group is classified as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union. The ongoing struggle has led to tens of thousands of deaths, and Turkey continues to conduct regular airstrikes and ground operations in northern Iraq, where PKK bases and training camps are believed to be situated.

These cross-border military actions are controversial, as Iraq has periodically condemned Turkey's incursions, arguing that they violate its sovereignty. However, Turkey maintains that such operations are critical to its national security.