Recently, NATO member Turkey launched a second day of aerial attacks on alleged Kurdish militant positions in Iraq and Syria. This action followed a terrorist attack on a state-run defense agency that resulted in the death of five individuals.
The National Intelligence Organization of Turkey reportedly targeted various strategic locations believed to be used by the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and Syrian Kurdish militia associated with the group. The attacks utilized armed drones to strike military, intelligence, energy, and infrastructure facilities, as well as ammunition depots.
However, General Commander Mazloum Abdi of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) criticized the Turkish attacks, stating that they were indiscriminate and targeted civilian areas and health centers. The SDF reported that 12 individuals, including two children, were killed during the bombardment, with 25 others sustaining injuries.
The SDF further claimed that Turkish warplanes and UAVs targeted essential civic facilities such as bakeries, power stations, and oil facilities, in addition to civilian areas. The attacks have raised concerns about civilian casualties and potential war crimes.
Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler defended the airstrikes, stating that 47 alleged PKK targets were destroyed in the operation. Guler emphasized Turkey's commitment to eliminating threats to national security and peace.
The strikes were initiated in response to a terrorist attack on an aerospace and defense company in Ankara, where two suspected Kurdish assailants killed five individuals and injured 22 before being neutralized by security forces. The PKK has not claimed responsibility for the attack.
The U.S. Embassy in Turkey condemned the terrorist attack, reaffirming its stance against terrorism. The situation remains tense as Turkey continues its military operations in the region, prompting concerns about escalating violence and civilian casualties.
