On Monday, the Turkish defense ministry announced that its military forces carried out airstrikes in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, resulting in the "neutralization" of 17 members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). The term "neutralized" is typically used by Turkish authorities to indicate that the individuals have been killed.

The strikes are part of Turkey's ongoing cross-border operation, Claw-Lock, aimed at combatting PKK militants. The PKK, designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union, has been engaged in an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984.

In addition to its actions in the Kurdistan Region, Turkey has targeted the Syrian Kurdish group YPG and related organizations. These groups, along with the PKK, are seen by Ankara as threats due to their operations near the Turkish border.

The PKK uses the mountainous areas of the Kurdistan Region near the Turkish border as a base for planning attacks against Turkey. In response, Turkey has intensified its military campaign, leading to the evacuation of hundreds of border villages.

Since 2016, Turkey has launched three major military operations in northern Syria—Euphrates Shield (2016), Olive Branch (2018), and Peace Spring (2019). These operations aim to prevent the establishment of a "terror corridor" and to enhance regional stability.

Turkey's intensified military actions in recent months highlight the ongoing tensions in the region, with significant implications for regional security and civilian populations.