Turkey Declares All Kurdish Facilities in Syria and Iraq Military Targets After Ankara Bombing
Turkey has hit back hard after a bomb exploded outside government buildings in Ankara. The attack, traced to Syria, has forced Turkish leaders to declare all Kurdish sites linked to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) in Syria and Iraq as legitimate military targets.
Air Strikes and Raids Sweep Northern Iraq
In a swift retaliation, Turkey launched air strikes across northern Iraq and conducted raids nationwide this week. Dozens of suspects believed to be tied to the banned PKK group—labelled terrorists by Turkey and its Western allies—have been arrested.
Deadly Clashes in Ankara: Police Fight Back
During a tense showdown with the bombers outside the Ministry of the Interior, Turkish police killed one attacker. Another died in an apparent suicide blast. Two officers were wounded in the fierce encounter. A national security meeting on the Sunday attack set the tone for Turkey’s aggressive response.
Foreign Minister Warns of “Very Precise” Strikes and Calls for Third Parties to Stay Clear
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan revealed the attackers crossed into Turkey from Syria where they were trained. He announced a “very precise” response targeting all PKK and YPG infrastructure and energy facilities in Iraq and Syria. The YPG, seen as a PKK affiliate, has long been a thorn in Ankara’s side during past cross-border operations.
“All infrastructure, superstructure, and energy facilities that belong to the PKK and the YPG, especially in Iraq and Syria, are legitimate targets.” – Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan
Fidan also warned foreign troops in the region, likely referring to US, Russian, and French forces supporting the YPG, to steer clear of these targets. This stance threatens to raise tensions further in an already volatile area.
Iraq Condemns Strikes, Defence Minister Plans Ankara Visit
Iraq has strongly criticised Turkey’s military actions. Iraqi Defence Minister Thabet al-Abbasi is scheduled to meet Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler in Ankara on Thursday to discuss the escalating crisis.
The situation underscores the fraught geopolitical dance in northern Syria and Iraq, with Turkey aggressively targeting Kurdish militants while navigating complex international alliances and rivalries.
