ANKARA
Turkey has controlled almost all PKK terrorists from the Zap region of northern Iraq, according to National Defense Minister Hulusi Akar.
A total of 506 terrorists have been neutralized since Turkiye introduced Operation Claw-Lock, a cross-border counterterrorism offensive, last April, Akar said after a cabinet meeting in the capital Ankara on Monday.
“Operation Claw-Lock has reached a safe stage. The Zap domain has been largely clean of terrorists,” he said.
“Through this operation, a 302-kilometer (187-mile) line was secured on the Iraqi border. “
Turkish forces have destroyed some six hundred caves and terrorist havens in the area, according to Akar, as well as more than 2,000 homemade mines and explosives.
Some 1,174 guns and 533,275 rounds of ammunition were seized, he said.
Akar reaffirmed Turkey’s respect for the borders, sovereignty and territorial integrity of all its neighbors, Iraq and Syria.
“Our purpose is the defense and security of our nation. That’s why we apply and we will do everything you want.
With Operation Claw-Lock, Turkish forces attacked the PKK terrorist organization’s hideouts in the Metina, Zap and Avasin-Basyan regions of northern Iraq, near the Turkish border.
It preceded through two operations, Tiger Claw and Eagle Claw, introduced in 2020.
During its terrorist crusade of more than 35 years against Turkey, the PKK -indexed as a terrorist organization through Turkey, USA. and the EU – has been guilty of the deaths of more than 40,000 people, including women, young people and babies.
Visit of London
Akar, who in London last week, denied reports that Turkey had struck a deal with the UK to buy Type 23 frigates.
“There is nothing express so far,” he said, noting that his visit to the UK and his talks with British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace were part of normal bilateral commitments.
Under Türkiye’s command of the maritime component of the NATO Response Force, which will continue until January 31 next year, Akar said all activities will be carried out as planned.