SULAIMANI (ESTA) — Turkey continues attacks and airstrikes against suspected positions of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) in Amedi district, northeast of Duhok, an official said on Sunday.
Director of Kani Mase Sarbast Akrayee said Turkish warplanes bombed suspected PKK positions in Gali Baze and Gali Shiladze areas as well as the village of Hirure in the sub-district.
“The airstrikes have not caused casualties, but have ignited fire in the forests and caused fears among residents,” he told Esta Media Network.
Turkey launched a new ground and air defensive against the PKK fighters in Duhok province on Friday evening.
Esta Media Network reporter Dilshad Himo said the Turkish military had set up three new military points in the villages of Hirure, Chalki and Kesta in Amedi.
Turkish media reported that commando forces landed in the Metina region from helicopters while warplanes dropped bombs on suspected PKK positions.
In a televised speech, Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said the operation began on Friday afternoon and involved commandos who were backed up by drones and attack helicopters.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the operation aimed to completely eliminate “terrorist threat” along Turkey’s southern borders.
“This operation, carried out with respect to Iraq’s territorial integrity, will contribute to the establishment of peace and security in the region,” Anadolu Agency quoted Erdogan as saying.
“We are determined to eradicate terrorism and completely free our citizens from the scourge of terror,” he added.
Erdogan further said there was no place for “separatist terrorist groups” in the future of Turkey, Iraq or Syria.
Turkey has conducted numerous ground and aerial cross-border offensives into neighboring northern Iraq to attack the PKK fighters, who maintains bases in the region.
