Turkey’s air force carried out airstrikes in Iraq and Syria on Wednesday. The strikes were in apparent retaliation for an attack on a defence company that left five people dead and over 20 injured. The attack took place at the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS) near Ankara, a key company involved in civilian and military aircraft production. Turkish authorities have blamed the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) for the assault.
On Thursday, the Ministry of National Defence confirmed that 47 Kurdish targets were destroyed during the airstrikes. Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler stated that 29 targets in northern Iraq and 18 in northern Syria were hit. The government said precautions were taken to avoid civilian casualties, though the exact locations of the strikes were not disclosed.
Civilian Casualties in Syria
Despite Turkey’s claims of safeguarding civilians, the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) reported civilian deaths. The SDF said 12 civilians, including two children, were killed in Turkish airstrikes in northern and eastern Syria. Additionally, 25 people were wounded. The SDF, mainly composed of Kurdish fighters, has been a crucial ally for the US in its fight against ISIL (ISIS) in Syria.
Turkey views the SDF and its main faction, the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG), as closely linked to the PKK, a group it considers a terrorist organisation. Turkish authorities believe the PKK is behind Wednesday’s attack on TUSAS. Defence Minister Guler vowed that Turkey would continue to pursue PKK militants until the last terrorist is eliminated.
Turkey’s Defence Ministry reported that 59 militants were “neutralised” in the airstrikes. The term typically means killed. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya revealed on social media that one of the attackers in the TUSAS incident was a PKK member named “Rojger”. Investigations also identified a second attacker as Mine Sevjin Alcicek.
Security Measures Tightened
Security was heightened at the TUSAS headquarters on Thursday. Authorities conducted vehicle searches and identity checks. Airports in Istanbul also increased security following the attack. Passengers were advised to arrive early to avoid delays.
The PKK has been involved in a long-standing conflict with the Turkish government, seeking autonomy in southeastern Turkey since the 1980s. Tens of thousands have died in the conflict, which Turkey and its Western allies consider terrorism. Despite the attacks, no group has officially claimed responsibility for the recent assault on TUSAS.
Turkey regularly launches airstrikes against PKK positions in Iraq and affiliated groups in Syria, maintaining pressure on the Kurdish fighters. The recent UAV strikes demonstrate Turkey’s continued efforts to suppress the PKK and its affiliates in the region.
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