Kurdish PKK militants have claimed responsibility for the recent attack on a Turkish defence firm that resulted in five deaths. The attack, carried out by two militants who infiltrated from Syria, involved a shooting and suicide bombing. The Turkish government responded by bombing PKK targets in Iraq and Syria.
The PKK’s Immortals Battalion confirmed their involvement in the attack at the state-run Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). This comes amidst recent efforts towards a negotiated solution to the conflict, including an olive branch extended to PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan. Öcalan, who has been in solitary confinement since 1999, received his first family visit since 2020, sparking hope for a potential disarmament of the PKK.
Despite these developments, President Erdoğan remains committed to the fight against the PKK, vowing to continue military operations. The recent escalation of drone strikes in Syria has raised concerns over civilian casualties, with the Turkish army denying allegations of targeting non-military infrastructure.
The situation remains tense as Turkey intensifies its efforts against the PKK while potential peace talks loom on the horizon.