Turkey has launched airstrikes on suspected Kurdish militant targets in Syria and Iraq for a second consecutive day after an attack in the capital city killed five people. The strikes were directed at sites associated with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and a Syrian-Kurdish militia linked to the PKK, which is recognised as a terrorist group by the US and EU.
Already on Wednesday, Turkey’s air force conducted airstrikes against similar targets in northern Syria and northern Iraq following the deadly attack on the state aerospace company TUSAS. The assault in Ankara resulted in a large explosion at the aerospace and defense company, with CCTV footage showing two individuals armed with automatic weapons opening fire on fleeing staff. The attackers were later neutralised by Turkish authorities.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack that also left 22 people injured. Turkey’s defence minister reported that 47 alleged PKK targets were destroyed in the airstrikes, with reassurances that efforts would continue to eliminate threats to national security.
The attack in Ankara occurred during a delicate period in the conflict between Turkey and the PKK, coinciding with discussions about a potential ceasefire. The proposal of a peace deal involving the PKK’s imprisoned leader, Abdullah Ocalan, to dismantle the group’s military wing has sparked debate and memories of previous failed peace efforts.
Turkey has a history of military operations in northern Syria targeting the Syrian Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) and considers them an extension of the PKK. The incident in Ankara comes after past attacks attributed to both the PKK and ISIS.
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed solidarity with Turkey following the attack, reaffirming support for the country as a NATO ally and close friend. The situation remains tense as Turkey continues its efforts to address security threats in the region.