Turkey’s Artillery Strikes Against Kurdish Separatist Positions in Northern Iraq
Turkey’s ongoing conflict with the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) continues, with the Turkish army launching new artillery strikes against PKK positions in northern Iraq.
The Turkish Defence Ministry announced that “air operations” were carried out against “terrorist targets” in the Gara, Qandil and Asos regions. The ministry claimed that these operations were conducted in line with Turkey’s right to self-defense.
While the ministry reported that several terrorists were neutralized, a security source in northern Iraq indicated that the overnight shelling was intense.
The Community Peacemakers Teams (CPT) group, working in Iraqi Kurdistan, reported experiencing more than 230 artillery shelling incidents since June 15. They also noted that some of these attacks have ignited fires on agricultural land and affected civilians.
It’s important to note that the PKK is considered a terrorist group by Turkey and its Western allies.
Turkey’s objective is to establish a security zone in northern Iraq and Syria to prevent militant incursions.
## Understanding the Context
The Turkish military’s operations in northern Iraq and Syria are part of a larger geopolitical struggle. The PKK, with its roots in Kurdish nationalism, has been fighting for autonomy in Turkey for decades.
**It’s crucial to understand the complex history of the conflict and the different perspectives involved. There are numerous resources available that provide detailed information about this conflict. For example, you can find reports and analysis on: **
* **International organizations such as the United Nations and the European Union**
* **News outlets that specialize in international affairs**
* **Academic institutions**
**Remember that access to accurate and reliable information is vital for forming informed opinions.**
