Turkish airstrikes have targeted and destroyed 21 locations used by PKK militants in northern Iraq, the Turkish Defense Ministry announced on Monday.

The strikes hit hideouts, shelters, caves, and storage areas in the Metina, Gara, Hakurk, and Qandil regions, which are close to Türkiye's border with Iraq. The operation utilized domestically produced ammunition, and a number of PKK militants were reportedly neutralized, although specific figures were not provided. The ministry emphasized that precautions were taken to avoid civilian casualties, as well as damage to cultural and historical sites.

The PKK, recognized as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the U.S., and the EU, has waged a nearly 40-year campaign resulting in over 40,000 deaths, including women and children. Though originally concentrated in southeastern Türkiye, the conflict has shifted to northern Iraq, where the PKK operates its headquarters in the Qandil Mountains.

Since 2019, Türkiye has conducted a series of cross-border military operations, known as “Operation Claw,” in northern Iraq to combat the PKK. The most recent phase, "Operation Claw-Lock," launched in April 2022, aims to sever the PKK’s ties between Syria and Qandil. (ILKHA)