Turkey launches land operation into Iraq's Kurdistan region

Minister Akar at operations center with TSK commanders. (Photo: AA)

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Turkey has launched a new military offensive dubbed as the "Claw-Tiger Operation" into the Kurdistan region in northern Iraq, the Ministry of National Defense announced at midnight.

"Our heroic commandos are in Haftanin! In order to neutralize PKK and other terrorist elements that threaten the security of our people and borders, our commandos, supported by the Air Force, fire support vehicles, ATAK helicopters, UAVs and UCAVs, arrived in the region with an air landing operation," the ministry stated on Twitter.

Minister Hulusi Akar and Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) command echelon were directing the operation at the Land Forces Operations Center, it added.

On June 14, Turkey's warplanes carried out more than 80 airstrikes in the region. These recent offensives are part of the "Claw Operations," which Turkey launched into the region against the PKK in May 2019.

Dilshar Abdulsattar, the head of the Batifa town in the region, told the Rudaw agency that five villages —Geliyê Pisaxa, Dışiş, Mininê, Nızdur ve Pirbılla— have been bombed by the TSK.

Also, clashes between the TSK and the PKK have started in some areas, he said.

"The most legitimate struggle in the world"

Several senior figures of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) announced support for the operation.

APK Spokesperson Ömer Çelik said in a tweet that Turkey's "struggle against terrorism is the most legitimate struggle in the world."

"May our soldiers' swords be sharp," he said.

Mustafa Şentop, Turkey's parliamentary speaker, said that "May Allah help our heroic soldiers, who are struggling for the protection of our borders and the salvation of our nation."

Minister of Justice Abdülhamit Gül also announced support for the operation on Twitter. (TP/VK)