Turkey Launches Airstrikes in Iraq and Syria Following Attack on Defence Company

Turkey’s Air Force bombed PKK-linked sites in Iraq and Syria after an attack on the TUSAS defence company killed five and injured over 20. Ministers stated the PKK was responsible, and strikes were intended as retaliation. The Iraqi government condemned the attack, reflecting regional tensions regarding the PKK conflict and underscoring the challenges to peace negotiations.

In a pronounced military response, Turkey’s Air Force conducted strikes on Kurdish positions in Iraq and Syria, attributed to the recent attack on TUSAS, a prominent state-run aerospace and defence manufacturer near Ankara. The aerial assault, which reportedly targeted 32 specific sites, was initiated following an assault executed by suspected members of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) that resulted in the deaths of five individuals and injuries to over 20 others. The Ministry of National Defence assured that precautions were taken to minimize civilian casualties during the operation. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya and Defence Minister Yasar Guler both indicated that the PKK was responsible for the attack on TUSAS, which is crucial for Turkey’s military capabilities, producing unmanned aerial vehicles amongst other systems. Minister Guler unequivocally stated, “We give these PKK scoundrels the punishment they deserve every time. But they never come to their senses. We will pursue them until the last terrorist is eliminated.” Additionally, this development unfolds amidst discussions regarding a potential leniency towards Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned leader of the PKK, contingent upon his disavowal of violence. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the attack during a summit meeting with President Vladimir Putin, calling it a heinous terrorist act. The Iraqi government, through its embassy in Ankara, condemned the attack on TUSAS, reiterating its rejection of terrorism and extending solidarity towards the Turkish people and government. The strikes align with Turkey’s ongoing military campaigns against the PKK in Iraq and Kurdish factions in Syria, particularly as TUSAS has played a pivotal role in equipping Turkey against Kurdish insurgents. The PKK’s prolonged conflict, seeking autonomy in southeastern Turkey, has resulted in numerous casualties since the 1980s and has been designated a terrorist organization by Turkey and its Western allies. In light of this violence, the pro-Kurdish Democratic Regions Party (DEP) has expressed concerns regarding the prospect of dialogue to resolve ongoing conflicts, as recent attacks seem to diminish opportunities for peace discussions.

The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) has been engaged in a long-standing conflict with the Turkish government, advocating for autonomy and rights for Kurds in Turkey’s southeastern regions. Since its inception in the 1980s, the violent struggle has led to significant loss of life and a cycle of retaliatory strikes. Turkey considers the PKK a terrorist organization and has regularly conducted military operations against it, particularly in northern Iraq and against affiliated groups in Syria. TUSAS, a key player in Turkey’s defense sector, has been crucial in developing military technology, including unmanned aerial vehicles, which have significantly influenced Turkey’s counterinsurgency operations against the PKK. The current escalation in violence raises questions about the future of peace negotiations and the stability in the region.

In summary, Turkey’s recent military actions against Kurdish targets in response to an assault on TUSAS underline the escalating tensions between Ankara and the PKK. With both political leaders and the Iraqi government reacting to the violent incident, the situation reflects broader issues surrounding regional security, domestic politics, and the ongoing struggle for Kurdish rights in Turkey. As military efforts continue, the potential for substantial dialogue and resolution remains uncertain amidst the backdrop of violence.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com