Turkish jets hit PKK targets in Turkey, northern Iraq

Turkish jets carried out airstrikes early Sunday on several targets in Turkey and northern Iraq, where the PKK has mountain bases, military sources said.

According to a statement issued by the Turkish General Staff, nine F-16 fighter jets hit hideouts and underground ammunition depots belonging to the PKK in the mountainous areas of Metina and Qandil as well as in the towns of Sina and Haftanin in northern Iraq.

The statement said that two F-4 2020 fighter jets also struck 11 targets in the south-eastern province of Hakkari.

The PKK – designated a terrorist organisation by Turkey, the US and EU – renewed its armed campaign against the Turkish state in the aftermath of the July 20 suicide bombing in Suruc that killed 33 pro-Kurdish activists.

In response, the Turkish government has been conducting an extensive anti-terrorism effort by bombing PKK camps at home and in northern Iraq, including the Qandil Mountain, and by striking Daesh in Syria.