In a statement released on social messaging platform X, the Turkish Defence Ministry announced that the country's military had conducted air strikes in northern Iraq on Saturday evening. The strikes successfully destroyed 15 Kurdish militant targets in the Hakurk region, according to the ministry.

The statement further revealed that the targets hit during the operation included caves, shelters, and storage facilities where militants were believed to be hiding. The Turkish Defence Ministry asserted that these strikes had resulted in the "neutralization" of a significant number of militants, though the exact number was not disclosed.

Turkey often employs the term "neutralization" to indicate the killing or elimination of enemies during military operations. The air strikes were a part of Turkey's ongoing efforts to counter Kurdish militants located in northern Iraq who have been conducting cross-border attacks in recent years.

The Turkish military's actions against the Kurds have drawn criticism from various international quarters, with concerns being raised about civilian casualties and potential violations of Iraqi sovereignty. However, Turkey has repeatedly stated that it has the right to defend itself against Kurdish groups it considers to be terrorists and a threat to its national security.

The timing of these air strikes aligns with a period of heightened tension between Turkey and certain Kurdish groups. The Turkish government has long been in conflict with the Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK), which it considers a terrorist organization. Ankara has accused the PKK of using bases in northern Iraq to launch attacks against Turkish forces.

The Turkish Defence Ministry's statement did not provide specific details about the operation or elaborate on how the targets were selected. However, the ministry's announcement serves as a clear indication of Turkey's commitment to combating Kurdish militants and neutralizing their presence in northern Iraq.

The air strikes on Saturday evening once again highlight the complex and volatile situation in the region, with ongoing clashes between various Kurdish groups, Turkish forces, and the Iraqi government. The impact of these strikes on the overall dynamics of the conflict and the Kurdish insurgency remains to be seen.

As tensions persist and violence continues to plague the region, it is crucial for all parties involved to seek a peaceful and sustainable resolution to the longstanding Kurdish issue.