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Turkish Soldier Killed, Six Injured in Northern Iraq Operations

The Turkish army regularly conducts cross-border operations and air raids against PKK bases in northern Iraq [File: Reuters]
The Turkish army regularly conducts cross-border operations and air raids against PKK bases in northern Iraq [File: Reuters]
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Turkish Soldier Killed, Six Injured in Northern Iraq Operations

The Turkish army regularly conducts cross-border operations and air raids against PKK bases in northern Iraq [File: Reuters]
The Turkish army regularly conducts cross-border operations and air raids against PKK bases in northern Iraq [File: Reuters]

Turkey’s Defense Ministry announced the death of one soldier and the injury of six others during the two military offensives launched on Friday against the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) targets in northern Iraq.

Turkish forces attacked the PKK in Avasin-Basyan and Metina areas near Duhok’s border with Turkey, in two operations dubbed “Claw-Lightning” and “Claw-Thunderbolt.”

Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said Turkish forces neutralized 31 PKK elements in the new ground-and-air offensives.

He carried out an inspection visit to the 3rd Infantry Division Command in Yuksekova district of Turkey’s southeastern Hakkari province, accompanied by Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) commanders.

“Our fight is against all terrorists,” Akar stressed, noting that Turkey will continue launching “anti-terror operations” until the last terrorist is neutralized.

“So far, a total of 1,132 terror targets have been hit with our land fire support vehicles. Our Air Force also achieved great success as a whole, hitting 120 targets in total.”

The armed forces are determined to protect 84 million Turkish citizens from the threats posed by all terrorist organizations, Akar noted.

He highlighted PKK’s presence in northern Iraq, stressing that its elements continue to create hideouts in anticipation of an attack by the Turkish armed forces.

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UK PM Tells Netanyahu Peace Process ‘Should Lead’ to Palestinian State

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer holds a press conference on the Southport attacks in the Downing Street Briefing Room in London, Britain, 21 January 2025. (EPA)
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer holds a press conference on the Southport attacks in the Downing Street Briefing Room in London, Britain, 21 January 2025. (EPA)
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UK PM Tells Netanyahu Peace Process ‘Should Lead’ to Palestinian State

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer holds a press conference on the Southport attacks in the Downing Street Briefing Room in London, Britain, 21 January 2025. (EPA)
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer holds a press conference on the Southport attacks in the Downing Street Briefing Room in London, Britain, 21 January 2025. (EPA)

UK premier Keir Starmer told Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday that any peace process in the Middle East should pave the way for a Palestinian state, Downing Street said.

The two leaders held a call that focused on the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, a UK government spokesperson said.

During the conversation, "both agreed that we must work towards a permanent and peaceful solution that guarantees Israel's security and stability", the British readout of the call added.

"The prime minister added that the UK stands ready to do everything it can to support a political process, which should also lead to a viable and sovereign Palestinian state."

Starmer also "reiterated that it was vital to ensure humanitarian aid can now flow uninterrupted into Gaza, to support the Palestinians who desperately need it", the statement added.

Starmer "offered his personal thanks for the work done by the Israeli government to secure the release of the hostages, including British hostage Emily Damari", the statement added.

"To see the pictures of Emily finally back in her family's arms was a wonderful moment but a reminder of the human cost of the conflict," Starmer added, according to the statement.

A truce agreement between Israel and Hamas to end 15 months of war in Gaza came into effect on Sunday.

The first part of the three-phase deal should last six weeks and see 33 hostages returned from Gaza in exchange for around 1,900 Palestinian prisoners.