Turkey Hits Back: Airstrikes Target Militant Group After Fatal Attack

Turkey Retaliates Against Militants After 5 Killed, 22 Injured

“We affirm Iraq's firm position in rejecting terrorism and extremism in all its forms...”

Turkey launches airstrikes against militant sites in response to an attack that killed 5 and injured 22, destroying key targets

Turkey's air force launched airstrikes against Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) positions in Iraq and Syria. The strikes were in response to a deadly attack on a major Turkish defense firm, resulting in five deaths and 22 injuries.

The Turkish Ministry of National Defense reported that 32 targets were “destroyed” in the October 23 airstrike. However, specific locations remained undisclosed. The Ministry assured that “all kinds of precautions were taken to prevent harm to civilians.”

Turkey launched airstrikes against militant sites just hours after suspected Kurdish fighters attacked the Turkish Aerospace Industries Incorporated (TUSAS), a leading aerospace and defense company. The attack on TUSAS involved explosives and gunfire, and Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya pointed to the PKK as the suspected perpetrator. Defense Minister Yasar Guler also implicated the PKK in the assault.

The airstrikes were a swift response to the TUSAS attack, targeting militant sites in a decisive show of force. This move demonstrates Turkey's commitment to protecting its national interests and defending against threats from militant groups.

Pointers:

Attack on TUSAS: Suspected Kurdish fighters detonated explosives and opened fire at Turkish Aerospace Industries Incorporated.

Suspected Perpetrator: Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya and Defense Minister Yasar Guler accused the PKK.

Turkish Response: Airstrikes targeted militant sites in response to the attack.

The PKK remained silent after the recent attack on Turkish Aerospace Industries Incorporated (TUSAS), which left five dead and 22 injured. This attack came on the heels of a provocative statement by Devlet Bahceli, leader of Turkey's far-right Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), suggesting that imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan could receive parole if he disbands his group and renounces violence.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan swiftly condemned the attack, labeling it a “heinous terrorist attack” during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the BRICS summit in Russia. Meanwhile, the Iraqi embassy in Ankara, Turkey, issued a statement denouncing the attack and reaffirming Iraq's stance against terrorism and extremism in all forms.

International Reactions:

• NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and 
• U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed solidarity with Turkey 
• Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis denounced the attack, offering condolences to the victims' families

Attack Aftermath:

Turkey's air force retaliated with airstrikes against Kurdish militant targets in Iraq and Syria, destroying over 30 targets. The Turkish government suspects the PKK was behind the attack, and Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya stated that security teams were dispatched immediately after the attack started.

The statement read thus “we affirm Iraq's firm position in rejecting terrorism and extremism in all its forms and manifestations and expresses the solidarity of Iraq's government and people, with the government and people of the Republic of Turkey.”

Iraq recently outlawed the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), a move aligning with Turkey's stance against the militant group. Turkey has consistently conducted airstrikes against PKK strongholds in Iraq and targeted affiliated Kurdish forces in Syria.

Turkey's aerospace and defense company, TUSAS, produces unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) crucial in the country's counter-terrorism efforts. These UAVs have significantly aided Turkey's military campaigns against Kurdish fighters, enhancing its operational capabilities.

Abdullah Ocalan's group has been fighting for autonomy in southeastern Turkey since the 1980s, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths. The group is considered a terrorist organization by Turkey and its Western allies. Despite this, the pro-Kurdish People's Equality and Democracy party (DEM) condemned the recent attack on Turkish Aerospace Industries Incorporated (TUSAS), noting that it occurred at a critical moment when dialogue to resolve the conflict seemed possible.

The DEM party's stance is particularly significant, given its history of advocating for Kurdish rights and autonomy. In fact, the party has been exploring a “third way” approach, distancing itself from both the ruling and opposition blocs to act autonomously. This shift comes after the party's disappointing performance in the May 2023 elections, which sparked internal debates about its strategy.

The Kurdish issue remains a complex and contentious problem in Turkey, with regional geopolitical dynamics in Iraq and Syria complicating efforts to find a peaceful resolution. The DEM party's decision to criticize the TUSAS attack and seek dialogue highlights the ongoing quest for a solution that addresses the concerns of all parties involved.