Turkish soldier succumbs to injuries in northern Iraq

By Merve Berker

ANKARA (AA) - A Turkish soldier died Thursday from injuries sustained in harassing fire by the PKK terrorists during Türkiye’s cross-border anti-terror operation in northern Iraq, the National Defense Ministry said.

Infantry Specialist Sergeant Kadir Kemik was seriously injured when the PKK terrorists in the operation area opened harassing fire on Turkish soldiers, the ministry said in a statement.

The soldier, who was taken to hospital, could not be saved despite all medical interventions, it added.

The ministry also extended condolences to Kemik’s family and the Turkish nation.

Türkiye launched Operation Claw-Lock in April to target the PKK terror organization's hideouts in Iraq’s northern regions of Metina, Zap, and Avasin-Basyan, near the Turkish border.

It was preceded by Operations Claw-Tiger and Claw-Eagle, which were launched in 2020 to root out terrorists hiding in northern Iraq and plotting cross-border attacks in Türkiye.

In its more than 35-year terror campaign against Türkiye, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the US, and EU – has been responsible for the deaths of at least 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants.