Turkish air strikes in northern Iraq and Syria reportedly obliterated 24 PKK terror targets on Sunday, including high-ranking terrorists, as confirmed by Türkiye’s National Defense Ministry.
The air operations specifically targeted regions such as Metina, Hakurk, Gara, Qandil, and Asos in Iraq, along with parts of northern Syria. Turkey asserted its right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter as the basis for these strikes, according to the ministry’s statement.
The list of destroyed targets encompassed caves, hideouts, ammunition depots, shelters, and notably, a natural gas production facility. Intelligence indicated that these locations were housing senior terrorists. This military action followed a terrorist attack in northern Iraq on Friday, resulting in the death of nine Turkish soldiers. The assault occurred within the scope of Operation Claw-Lock, initiated by Türkiye in April 2022 to target PKK hideouts in Iraq’s northern Metina, Zap, and Avasin-Basyan regions near the Turkish border.
Northern Iraq has been a known refuge for PKK terrorists who plan and execute cross-border attacks into Turkey. The PKK, recognized as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US, and the EU, has been engaged in a terror campaign against Turkey for over 35 years, resulting in the deaths of more than 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants.
Israelis Observe Nationwide Strike Seeking Release Of Their Hostages From Hamas
Meanwhile, in Israel, a nationwide 100-minute labor strike brought hundreds of shops, restaurants, and businesses to a standstill across the country.
The strike was organized to mark the 100th day since the Hamas group abducted hostages on October 7. Employers and employees, including those in universities and retail chains, suspended their operations from 11 a.m. for 100 minutes.
Arnon Bar-David, chairman of the Histadrut labor union, granted the families’ request for the strike to raise awareness about their demand for the return of the hostages.
