Turkish airstrikes hit Kurdistan as tensions escalate in northern Iraq. Turkish airstrikes hit Kurdistan in Duhok’s Mount Metina, near Amadiya. Turkish airstrikes hit Kurdistan with attacks on cave sites.
In northern Iraq, Turkish warplanes targeted fighters’ positions in Mount Metina. The airstrikes struck a fortified cave in Mewin Valley near Guharze village. That site reportedly served as a weapons cache for the PKK.
The PKK remains designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US, and the EU. The group has waged armed conflict with Turkey for four decades. Turkish authorities continue cross-border operations to weaken PKK positions.
Meanwhile, human rights observers recorded many strikes in the area. A recent report by a peace group counted 550 Turkish attacks in June alone. These included 25 airstrikes and 525 artillery shellings. Nearly all strikes hit Duhok province, especially around Amadiya. Only nine shellings occurred in Erbil’s Sidakan area.
Amid the airstrikes, PKK fighters took steps toward disarmament. Dozens of fighters burned weapons in Jasna cave between Dukan and Sulaymaniyah. This ceremony symbolizes a move from armed conflict to political engagement in Turkey.
PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan had recently announced abandoning a separate Kurdish state goal in Turkey. That declaration aims to shift the group toward political processes. The weapon-burning marked a physical step toward ending hostilities.
Analysts see the joint developments as linked. Turkey maintains air operations to pressure PKK forces in northern Iraq. At the same time, the PKK begins disarmament on symbolic fronts.
Locals continue to suffer amid the conflict. Residents in Duhok’s mountains report fear and displacement. Security officials confirm growing anxiety among villages near operation zones.
Turkish airstrikes hit Kurdistan with concrete consequences. Airstrikes break local routines, disrupt trade, and increase humanitarian needs. Many observers worry that escalations could undermine budding peace efforts by the PKK.
Looking ahead, regional stability depends on several factors. Turkey may scale down strikes if the PKK continues disarmament steps. Yet, any abrupt PKK recruitment or arming could trigger fresh Turkish operations.
Meanwhile, Baghdad and Erbil work to manage the fallout. Security coordination remains limited but ongoing behind the scenes. The Kurdistan Regional Government faces pressure to protect civilians while respecting national sovereignty.