Türkiye destroys 32 terrorist targets in northern Iraq, Syria
ANKARA
The Defense Ministry said late Wednesday that Turkish forces destroyed 32 terrorist targets in an air operation conducted in northern Iraq and Syria, and a significant number of terrorists were "neutralized."
The ministry said in a statement that the operation was conducted in accordance with the legitimate right to self-defense arising from Article 51 of the UN Charter, with the aim of "neutralizing" PKK/KCK and other terrorist elements to eliminate terror attacks against the public and security forces and to ensure border security.
Turkish authorities use the term “neutralize” to imply that the terrorists in question surrendered or were killed or captured.
The statement said 32 targets belonging to terrorists were successfully destroyed and that air operations continue decisively.
"The Turkish Armed Forces, arising from our noble nation, will continue the fight against terrorism with determination and resolve for the survival and security of our country and nation until not a single terrorist remains, as in the past.
"During these operations, all necessary measures have been taken to ensure that innocent civilians, friendly elements, historical and cultural assets and the environment are not harmed," it added.
This comes after an explosion and gunshots were heard Wednesday at Turkish Aerospace Industries’ facilities in the capital Ankara.
Two terrorists who attacked the facilities were "neutralized," while five people were killed and 22 injured, said Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya.
Ankara has launched a trio of successful anti-terror operations since 2016 across its border in northern Syria to prevent the formation of a terror corridor and enable the peaceful settlement of residents: Euphrates Shield (2016), Olive Branch (2018) and Peace Spring (2019).
In its 40-year terror campaign against Türkiye, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the US, and the EU – has been responsible for the deaths of more than 40,000 people, including women, children, infants and the elderly. The YPG is the PKK’s Syrian offshoot.