In response to recent clashes resulting in the loss of 12 Turkish soldiers in northern Iraq, Turkish forces conducted cross-border airstrikes against the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), as announced by the country's Defense Ministry on Friday.

The air operations targeted areas in the Metina, Hakurk, Gara, and Asos regions, focusing on 16 caves, caches, and shelters believed to be utilized by senior PKK members. The Defense Ministry's statement indicated that a significant number of individuals deemed as "terrorists" were "neutralized" during the operations. The term "neutralized" is commonly employed by Turkish authorities to signify that the individuals in question either surrendered, were killed, or captured.

The operations were justified by the Turkish government as a necessary measure to eliminate potential "terrorist attacks" originating from northern Iraq and to bolster "border security." The Defense Ministry asserted that these actions were conducted in accordance with Turkey's rights to self-defense.

The recent escalation follows the tragic loss of 12 Turkish soldiers in confrontations with PKK militants in the same region. In response to the casualties, Turkey launched both air and ground operations targeting PKK hideouts.

The PKK, designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union, has been engaged in a prolonged rebellion against the Turkish government for over three decades. The ongoing conflict has resulted in sporadic bouts of violence, with both sides employing military tactics to assert their respective positions.

As international observers closely monitor the situation, questions arise about the potential impact of these operations on regional stability and the broader implications for Turkey's ongoing efforts to counteract the PKK insurgency. The airstrikes underscore the persistent challenges faced by Turkey in its quest to maintain control over its southeastern borders and suppress the activities of the PKK, which remains a significant security concern for the nation and its allies.