Turkey Targets PKK Positions in Syria and Iraq

In response to a deadly attack on an aerospace company in Ankara, Turkey targeted the positions of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in northern Iraq and Syria. On Wednesday, November 2, the Turkish Ministry of Defense announced that its forces had attacked positions linked to the Kurdish militant group PKK in Iraq and Syria. Turkey claims that PKK is likely responsible for the attack that resulted in the deaths of five people and injured at least 22 others. The Ministry of Defense stated that an air operation against 'terrorist positions' in northern Iraq and Syria was conducted, successfully destroying a total of 32 'terrorist' targets. PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union. Turkey is also conducting a series of military attacks against Syrian Kurdish militants, whom it identifies as a branch of PKK. Ali Yerlikaya, Turkey's Interior Minister, announced after the deadly attack in Ankara that both attackers were killed following the assault, and two of the injured are in critical condition. Yerlikaya also identified PKK members as potential perpetrators of the attack, stating, 'The method of execution of this attack indicates a high likelihood of PKK involvement.' However, he noted that investigations to confirm the identities of the perpetrators and gather further evidence are ongoing, and the results will be shared with the public. Footage from security cameras shows at least three armed attackers, one of whom was a woman, shooting before the explosion at the entrance of the TUSAŞ company, which is involved in the design and production of drones and military and civilian aircraft as well as other defense products. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack in Ankara so far.