Turkey strikes suspected Kurdish militant targets in northern Iraq after suicide attack in Ankara

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Turkey conducted airstrikes on suspected Kurdish militant targets in northern Iraq in response to a suicide attack that targeted a government building in Ankara. The Turkish defense ministry confirmed that approximately 20 targets associated with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) were “destroyed” in the aerial operation. This included caves, shelters, and depots, resulting in a significant number of PKK operatives being “neutralized” during the strikes.

The suicide attack occurred earlier on the same day, when a suicide bomber detonated an explosive device near the entrance of the Ministry of Interior Affairs in Ankara, injuring two police officers. A second assailant was killed in a shootout with the police. The PKK claimed responsibility for the bombing, which took place just hours before Turkey’s Parliament reopened after its three-month summer recess with a speech by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The two assailants had commandeered a light commercial vehicle from a veterinarian in the central province of Kayseri, subsequently using it for the attack in Ankara. The police engaged the terrorists upon their arrival at the scene, with one of them detonating explosives while the other was shot in the head before he could do the same.

In response to the attack, President Erdogan reiterated his government’s commitment to establishing a 30-kilometer safe zone along Turkey’s border with Syria to enhance security against potential threats.

Turkey has frequently conducted cross-border operations against the PKK in northern Iraq and launched incursions into northern Syria to combat the Islamic State group and the Kurdish militia group known as the YPG. Turkey considers the YPG an extension of the PKK, which is designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union. The PKK has been involved in an insurgency against Turkey since 1984, resulting in a significant loss of life.

Last year, an explosion in Istanbul attributed to the PKK and the YPG claimed six lives and injured over 80 others. Turkish authorities have imposed temporary image blackouts related to the recent attack and initiated an investigation into the incident.

Despite the attack, Turkey’s commitment to its fight against terrorism remains undeterred, with increased security measures implemented in response. International condemnation of the attack has come from countries like Egypt, which has recently improved relations with Turkey, as well as the U.S. Embassy in Ankara and other foreign missions.

During his parliamentary speech, President Erdogan did not provide a timeline for Turkey’s parliament to ratify Sweden’s membership in NATO. Turkey had previously blocked Sweden’s NATO membership application, citing concerns about its efforts to combat groups like the PKK operating on its territory. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson condemned the terrorist attack in Ankara and expressed commitment to cooperation with Turkey in combating terrorism.

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More about Counterterrorism

• Turkey’s Fight Against the PKK – Al Jazeera
• PKK Claims Responsibility for Ankara Suicide Bombing – Reuters
• President Erdogan’s Speech and Security Measures – DW News
• Turkey’s Approach to Establishing a Safe Zone – Al Jazeera
• International Reactions to the Attack – Reuters
• Sweden’s NATO Membership Application – Reuters