Statement from the Ministry of National Defense regarding air operations

Citizens, saddened by the news of 12 martyrs in the last 24 hours, have turned their attention to the statements made by the Ministry of National Defense.

The ministry's official account is being followed to obtain information regarding the clashes in the region and the operations carried out by our soldiers.

The latest post from this account provided information on the air operations conducted in northern Iraq and Syria.

Here is the statement in question:

STATEMENT REGARDING AIR OPERATIONS CONDUCTED IN NORTHERN IRAQ AND SYRIA

In order to neutralize PKK/KCK and other terrorist elements, to eliminate terrorist attacks against our people and security forces from northern Iraq and Syria, and to ensure our border security; in accordance with our rights of legitimate self-defense arising from Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, air operations were conducted against terrorist targets in northern Iraq and Syria on December 23, 2023, at 22:00. With the air operations carried out, a total of 29 targets, consisting of caves, bunkers, shelters, oil facilities, and warehouses used by the Separatist Terrorist Organization (BTÖ) and assessed to contain terrorists at the leadership level, were destroyed.

In the operations conducted, a large number of terrorists were neutralized by using the maximum amount of domestic and national ammunition.

The Turkish Armed Forces, which emerged from the heart of our noble nation, will continue its fight against terrorism with determination and resolve for the survival and security of our country and nation, just as it has in the past, until not a single terrorist remains.

During these operations, every measure was taken to ensure that innocent civilians, friendly elements, historical and cultural assets, and the environment were not harmed.

Respectfully announced to the public.