Turkey Strikes Kurdish Militants in Syria and Iraq in Retaliation for Attack on Military Base

Turkish jets destroy 29 militant sites across northern Iraq and Syria, escalating tensions in the region as President Erdoğan vows to continue Operation Claw-Lock despite Iraqi calls for withdrawal.

Turkey launched airstrikes against Kurdish militants in Syria and Iraq in response to an attack on a Turkish military base in Iraq that left nine soldiers dead.
Turkish jets destroyed 29 bunkers, shelters, caves and oil facilities across the Metina, Hakurk, Gara and Qandil regions in northern Iraq and northern Syria, according to Turkey’s defense ministry.
The targeted sites belonged to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and the People’s Protection Units (YPG), both considered terrorist organizations by Turkey.
The Turkish military has been present in northern Iraq since April 2022 as part of Operation Claw-Lock, aiming to dismantle the PKK’s foothold and prevent cross-border guerrilla raids into Turkey.
Despite repeated calls from the Iraqi government for Ankara’s withdrawal, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has vowed to stay until the mission is complete.