Turkiye "neutralizes" 9 PKK fighters in KRI, including leader
Shafaq News/ Turkiye "neutralized" nine members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), including a prominent leader, in operations conducted in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI).
Turkish authorities use the term "neutralized" to refer to individuals who have been killed, captured, or surrendered.
According to the Turkish Ministry of Defense, the Armed Forces neutralized eight PKK fighters identified in the Asos and Operation Claw-Lock regions in northern Iraq.
Meanwhile, Turkish intelligence reported that its forces had neutralized Murat Kilis, a prominent PKK figure, noting that he was wanted by Turkiye on terrorism-related charges. "Kilis had been in hiding for a long period and was recently neutralized in a targeted operation carried out by Turkish forces in the Hakurk region."
On Thursday, Turkish drones conducted airstrikes targeting PKK militants in Al-Sulaymaniyah Province, killing a senior PKK military official and two other members, while two others were reported missing.
Turkiye has regularly conducted air and drone strikes in northern Iraq, targeting militants from the PKK, which Ankara considers a terrorist organization.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Shafaq News
6 hours ago
- Shafaq News
Iraq acquires French Caracal helicopters
Shafaq News/ On Tuesday, Iraq's Ministry of Defense confirmed the arrival of the first batch of French-made Caracal helicopters, part of a broader agreement with France to enhance the country's military aviation capabilities. In a statement, the Ministry reported that two helicopters had been delivered, with additional units expected to arrive later this year and throughout 2026. The Caracal, manufactured by Airbus Helicopters, ranks among the most advanced utility helicopters in service. Its introduction to the Iraqi Army Aviation fleet is intended to improve operational its readiness by offering versatility for combat, transport, and rescue missions across a variety of weather conditions and terrains. This acquisition reflects Iraq's ongoing efforts to ''modernise its defence infrastructure and expand military partnerships,'' the statement added.
Shafaq News
6 hours ago
- Shafaq News
US urges Baghdad, Erbil to settle salary crisis
Shafaq News/ On Tuesday, the US State Department urged both Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional governments to resolve their salary dispute through constructive and consistent dialogue, warning that the prolonged crisis could damage Iraq's investment environment. At a press briefing in Washington, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said the United States is closely following the situation in the Kurdistan Region, stressing that resolving the dispute in line with constitutional responsibilities would send a clear signal that Iraq is committed to creating conditions favorable to investment, including from American companies. Bruce also indicated that meaningful progress on the issue could help facilitate broader cooperation between Baghdad and Erbil, including the reopening of the Iraq–Turkiye oil pipeline and the expansion of energy exploration activities. Her remarks came as tensions between the Federal and Regional governments have escalated over the release of public sector salaries. Federal authorities have linked disbursements to the KRG's full transfer of oil exports to the state-owned SOMO company and increased oversight of non-oil revenues. The KRG has pushed back, arguing that the conditions are excessive and deviate from earlier understandings. The deadlock has resulted in delayed salary payments for hundreds of thousands of public employees in the Kurdistan Region. As a temporary measure, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani later authorized the payment of May salaries through a federal loan, pending a permanent resolution.
Shafaq News
7 hours ago
- Shafaq News
PM Barzani warns of "serious repercussions" over delayed salaries
Shafaq News/ On Tuesday, Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani warned that the continued halt in salary payments to public employees in the Region could have serious repercussions, characterizing Baghdad's move as 'unjust and unconstitutional.' Speaking at the inauguration of the 'Visit Kurdistan' foundation, Barzani linked the suspension of salaries to broader efforts aimed at placing pressure on the Region, hindering its reconstruction and development. He also emphasized that the KRG had met its constitutional responsibilities — and exceeded them — stressing that he expected reciprocal commitments from Baghdad to protect the rights of the Kurdistan Region's citizens. Instead, he pointed to what he described as a ''disregard for constitutional provisions'' and previously concluded agreements. His comments came amid heightened friction between Erbil and Baghdad over the release of public sector salaries. Federal authorities have linked disbursements to the Kurdistan Region's full transfer of oil exports to the state-run SOMO company, along with increased oversight of non-oil revenues. The KRG has pushed back, viewing the conditions as excessive and inconsistent with earlier understandings. The deadlock has resulted in delayed salary payments for hundreds of thousands of public employees in the Region. As a temporary measure, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani later authorized the payment of May's salaries through a federal loan, pending further resolution.
