“The PKK is in the streets of Iraq’s city of Sulaimani. In Kirkuk, Turkmens’ flags were lowered and the PKK’s symbols have been planted. These developments give Turkey a legitimate right to intervene and struggle in the toughest way,” Bahceli said in a written statement on June 22.

“The Claw-Tiger operation launched by Turkey’s national forces on June 15 is a strong message to the terrorists and their sponsors. The next message was conveyed by the launch of the Operation Claw-Tiger which destroyed the terrorists’ shelters,” Bahceli stated.

Turkey has hit the Haftanin province in Kurdistan Region where the PKK is trying to establish its new headquarters, he said.

“As seen, the situation will escalate and the region will pass through hot days. And Turkey will continue to use its legitimate right to self-defense stemming from the international law,” Bahceli added.

On Friday, four people were killed in a Turkish airstrike in Shiladze in Duhok governorate. Another person was killed in a separate airstrike on Wednesday, bringing the civilian death toll since Turkey first launched its operation on Monday to five.

Farms along the border have suffered significant damage from the attacks, according to local residents.

“With great sadness, we observe the recent events at the border that caused the martyrdom of the people and the residents of the area,” Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Spokesperson Jotiar Adil on said in statement posted late in the evening.

On Monday, Turkish forces launched a series of airstrikes across northern Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, hitting targets in Qandil, Makhmour, Haji Omaran, and Mount Sinjar and has continued daily airstrikes since then. It also began a ground operation in Duhok governorate on Wednesday.

Iraq’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Turkish ambassador twice in three days this week to lodge formal protests.

Twice this week, demonstrators protesting the Turkish operations have been out on the streets of Sulaimani, the second largest city in the region.

Reporter’s code: 50101