Arrests are increasing in Turkey following the attack which took place in Ankara, injuring two police officers. Nearly 70 people were arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of being linked to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which claimed responsibility for the attack. Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said the arrests took place in sixteen of the country’s 81 provinces.
At the same time, the Turkish army announced that it had carried out strikes on 16 PKK positions in northern Iraq. These airstrikes aim to neutralize the rear bases of Turkish Kurdish fighters, who have been waging an armed struggle against the Turkish government for more than thirty years. This action represents a direct response to the attack in Ankara.
The PKK is considered a terrorist organization by both Turkey and the European Union. His claim of responsibility for the attack on the Interior Ministry in Ankara confirms his direct involvement in the tensions that continue to agitate the region.
These latest arrests follow the arrest of twenty people on Monday, including members of the pro-Kurd HDP party. This party is accused by the Turkish authorities of being linked to the PKK, which according to them justifies these arrests.
This series of events demonstrates Turkey’s desire to fight tirelessly against the PKK, considered a threat to its national security. However, some critics point out that these arrests and airstrikes risk heightening already high tensions within the Kurdish population and risk leading to more violence.
It is important to note that the situation in Turkey remains complex and evolving. The security challenges facing the country require a balanced approach and a search for lasting solutions to achieve lasting peace in this troubled region. The future actions of the Turkish government will therefore be closely monitored by the international community.