Turkish Armed Forces Launch Operation “Claw” in Northern Iraq
Turkey’s “Claw Series” Operations in Northern Iraq Yield Significant Results
The Ministry of National Defense has announced that the “Claw Series” operations launched in northern Iraq in 2019 have been extremely successful in neutralizing terrorists and dealing a heavy blow to the separatist terrorist organization.
Since the launch of “Claw-1” to Hakurk on May 27, 2019, the operations have expanded to include “Claw-2,” “Claw-3,” “Claw-Şimşek,” “Claw-Yıldırım,” and most recently “Claw Lock.” These operations aimed to destroy shelters and logistics facilities used by the PKK/KCK terrorist organization, neutralize terrorists, and establish border security.
With a total of 1655 members of the terrorist organization neutralized, 4,999 mines and improvised explosives destroyed, and 2,472 caves and shelters rendered unusable, the operations have significantly hindered the terrorist organization’s freedom of movement and ability to act. Furthermore, the recent “Claw Lock” operation closed the lock, established forward control of the Iraqi border, and expanded area dominance.
The Ministry of National Defense emphasized the importance of these operations in ensuring the security of borders and citizens, highlighting the destruction of terrorist nests and the determination to destroy terrorist dens suddenly in one night.
It was also emphasized that all operations in Syria and Iraq are carried out in line with self-defense rights, respecting the sovereign rights and territorial integrity of neighboring countries, and with the goal of protecting innocent civilians, historical and cultural assets, and the environment.
The Ministry’s statement reiterated that the only target of these operations is terrorists, emphasizing that all elements of PKK/KCK, PYD/YPG, and DAESH in Syria and Iraq are legitimate targets.
