Turkish attack near Makhmour camp extends anti-PKK operations deeper into Iraq

Days after warning of a coming operation on Iraq’s Makhmour camp, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said a senior Kurdistan Workers Party official was “neutralized” near the camp Saturday, underlining Ankara’s drive to put pressure on militants in the region.
The entrance of the UNHCR Makhmour refugee camp, controlled by the PKK (Kurdistan Workers Party), is seen Sept. 4, 2003. Journalists have been barred from the site as well as all arms since PKK militants were banned from carrying arms by the United States in Iraq.
The entrance of the UNHCR Makhmour refugee camp, controlled by the PKK (Kurdistan Workers Party), is seen Sept. 4, 2003. Journalists have been barred from the site as well as all arms since PKK militants were banned from carrying arms by the United States in Iraq. - TARIK TINAZAY/AFP via Getty Images
diego_cupolo_color.jpg
Diego Cupolo
@diegocupolo

ISTANBUL — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Sunday that a senior official with the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) was “neutralized” in an airstrike near the Makhmour refugee camp in northern Iraq.

In an attack on Saturday, senior PKK official and manager of the Makhmour camp Selman Bozkir was killed along with two additional individuals, according to Turkish and Iraqi security officials who did not elaborate.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.

Videos

See more