14 January 2018 - 21:13

Turkish army engages in Kurdistan Region

<p style="text-align: left;">The Turkish military has launched a land operation against the outlawed Kurdistan Workers&rsquo; Party (PKK) in Kurdistan Region, stating that its aim is to &ldquo;prevent PKK militants from threatening border security.&rdquo;

The operation is the first time in nine years that Turkish land forces have engaged in Iraq, Hurriyet daily reported.

Commando units entered the Zap region of Iraq after crossing from the Cukurca district of the southeastern province of Hakkari. The move, which is part of “Operation Zap,” came after Turkey military determined an increase in movement of militants in the area, Dogan News Agency reported on Oct. 18.

Four soldiers were killed in two separate PKK bomb attacks in Zap, according to Turkey’s army.

The operation is the TSK’s first land move in Zap in nine years. The last one, “Operation Sun,” took place in 2008 and was carried out to destroy PKK camps in the region.

Reporter’s code: 50101

News Code 3719