Recent Turkish air strikes in northern Iraq targeting a group linked to the PKK resulted in the deaths of five people, according to local sources. The strikes were in retaliation for an attack claimed by the PKK on a Turkish aerospace company, resulting in five deaths. The PKK’s military wing claimed responsibility for the attack, stating it was in response to Turkish actions in Kurdish regions.
The attack on the aerospace company occurred as talks of possible dialogue to end the decades-long conflict between the PKK and Turkey’s military were underway. The PKK’s imprisoned leader expressed willingness to work towards peace, but the PKK’s military wing stated that the attack on the aerospace company was not politically motivated.
The Turkish airstrikes also targeted locations in northern Iraq and northern Syria associated with the PKK. The bombings resulted in civilian casualties, including five Yazidis in northern Iraq and 12 civilians in Syria. Despite the attacks, the PKK claimed no casualties among its fighters.
In Istanbul, at least 35 people with suspected links to the PKK were detained by police. The PKK, considered a terrorist group by Turkey and its allies, has been involved in a long-standing conflict in southeastern Turkey.