Posted on 04/20/2022 10:50:46 AM PDT by ransomnote
In a cross-border ground assault supported by artillery, aircraft, helicopters, and drones, Turkey has launched an invasion of Iraq in order to take out the insurgent group in the northern part.
According to the Defense Ministry in Ankara, Turkey has launched a large cross-border military attack against Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) insurgents in northern Iraq.
Defense Minister Hulusi Akar declared the operation in a video speech on Monday morning, saying it will include a comprehensive airstrike campaign involving jets, helicopters, and drones, as well as a land incursion by commando troops.
Ankara asserts it eliminated many PKK bunkers, tunnels, and ammo depots, and also military base, in northern Iraq’s border areas of Metina, Zap, and Avashin-Basyan, before ground troops entered the neighboring state. The number of troops and military equipment engaged in the operation is unknown.
“Our operation is continuing successfully, as planned. The targets that were set for the first phase have been achieved,” Akar said, as cited by AP.
Turkish soldiers are exclusively targeting “terrorists,” according to the minister, and are actively taking steps to avoid civilian casualties and damage to cultural heritage sites.
“Our struggle will continue until the last terrorist is neutralized,” he said. “We are determined to save our noble nation from the terror misfortune that has plagued our country for 40 years.”
The PKK is a Kurdish insurgent political group and armed guerrilla force struggling for an independent Kurdistan. It has been at odds with Ankara since 1984, costing over 40,000 deaths in the process. Turkey has launched a number of military operations against the PKK, which is entrenched in northern Iraq and has used the region to support insurgency in the country’s east.
The US, UK, and EU have all recognized the PKK as a terrorist organization. However, in the struggle against Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS) terrorists in Syria and Iraq, the Kurds were a vital ally for the West and the US. In Syria’s Kurdish-controlled parts, Washington has a military presence, while in Iraq’s Kurdistan region, there are multiple American military sites and a US consulate in Erbil.
19 years later, and Iraq is super stable...
Bush The Younger was a disaster.
L
P
Now this is a surprise.
I thought Taiwan or some part of Poland would be the next
invasive action.
Now this is a surprise.
I thought Taiwan or some part of Poland would be the next
invasive action.
Obama did a bang up job in Libya.
I hear Syria is a wonderful place to vacation now...
Biden is the most incompetent POTUS ever, but W was the most destructive.
2 wars
DHS
TSA
Patriot Act
Tried for Amnesty
Being a spineless retard begat Obama
On paper the Turkish Amry is HUGE. I am not sure how effective that huge army is under fire.
I wouldn’t bet against them! To my knowledge they’re as good as any ground pounders!
So Turkey, who is aiding Ukraine against Russia because Russia invaded a sovereign country, is invading a sovereign country.
I’ll take the Kurds over the Turks and 15 points.
I’ll cheer on the Kurds but they don’t have a chance against the Turks. Osman minus a touchdown and a FG!
I wonder if they woke up Joe Biden from his sleep to tell him this. Another front opened up, Joe Biden is asleep at the wheel.
The Turks hate the Kurds and back in 1991 the Turks repeatedly attacked Kurdish refugee camps.
Of course the Turks hate everyone they used to rule.
It was a long time ago but they were very tough in Korea. Not one captured Turk gave in to the Chinese brainwashing. IIRC.
As Ukraine/Russia fades from the limelight, I'm expecting Taiwan/China as well. Although the 'news' doesn't have a story every day on the daily China air force incursions into Taiwan ADIZ, there were 20 in the report I heard early this morning.
Maybe the Iraq/Turkey deal is just a pleasant interlude, before the BIG action in the China sea.
I agree with your assessment on the likely winner, and IIRC these particular Kurds are nasty Communists, so I’ll refrain from cheering either side.
Gov Abbott needs to send SOTB illegals to Turkey.
“Bush The Younger was a disaster.”
Yes, but the Turko-Kurdish fight has been going on for decades, long before Bush II ever walked on stage.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.