Turkish military conducts airstrikes in northern Iraq

ANKARA

File photo

The Turkish Armed Forces on Dec. 13 conducted airstrikes in northern Iraq’s Sinjar and Mount Karacak regions, a statement said.

According to the statement by the Turkish Defense Ministry, the air operation was conducted to “neutralize PKK/KCK/PYD/YPG and other terrorist elements."

Ankara considers the YPG as the Syrian branch of the PKK, which is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the EU and the U.S.

"The operation targeted housing facilities, shelters, caves, tunnels, and storage units used by terrorists that threaten our country, nation, and border security," the statement said.

In the planning and implementation stages of the operation, the statement continued, Turkey exercised due caution to prevent civilian casualties and damage to civilian property, and to protect the environment.

Fahrettin Altun, Communications Director of Turkish Presidency, said in a Twitter post that a successful air operation targeted Sinjar and Mount Karacak, which are among the "important" centers of terror elements.

"This operation dealt a blow to terror and it was a message to terror supporters," he added.