UPDATE 2 – Turkiye launches new operation in northern Iraq, 'neutralizes' at least 19 PKK terrorists

CHANGES HEADLINE, DECK; UPDATES WITH 19 TERRORISTS NEUTRALIZED, EDITS THROUGHOUT

By Ahmet Gencturk and Zehra Nur Duz

ANKARA (AA) – Turkish security forces "neutralized" at least 19 PKK terrorists as they launched Operation Claw-Lock in northern Iraq, the National Defense Ministry said on Monday.

"The first stage targets have been captured. The operation continues successfully as planned. Mehmetcik [soldiers of Turkish army] have begun to take control of the region," the ministry said in a statement.

"Search and scanning activities are under way in the region. All shelters, bunkers and so-called headquarters, as well as caves and lairs of terrorists will be destroyed one by one."

Four Turkish soldiers were injured during the operation, said the ministry, urging terrorists to surrender to justice. “They must realize that they have nowhere to run, that the end is near.”

"Turkiye is determined to save noble Turkish nation from the scourge of terrorism," it said.

Operation Claw-Lock, in which commando and special forces teams are taking part through the support of drones and attack helicopters, is particularly targeting Metina, Zap and Avasin-Basyan regions, said Defense Minister Hulusi Akar.

Shelters, ammunition depots, headquarters, gathering locations and tunnel networks are being destroyed, he added.

According to the ministry, the operation was launched after finding out that the terrorist group was planning to initiate a large-scale attack.

The operation is in line with the UN Charter's principle of self-defense, the ministry said.

Vice President Fuat Oktay said on Twitter that Turkiye remains resolute to continue its struggle against the terror group and its sponsors, both within and beyond its borders.

PKK terrorists often hide out in northern Iraq to plot cross-border attacks in Turkiye.

In 2020, Turkiye had launched operations Claw-Tiger and Claw-Eagle in the border regions of northern Iraq to ensure the safety of the Turkish people and the frontiers.

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