Turkish intelligence 'neutralizes' PKK terrorist group's trained assassin in northern Iraq

ANKARA

Türkiye's National Intelligence Organization (MIT) "neutralized" a trained assassin of the PKK terrorist group in a cross-border operation in northern Iraq, security sources said Wednesday.

The operation took place in the northeastern Sulaymaniyah district, targeting Bekir Kina, codenamed Bawer Botan, who was trained by the terrorist organization to assassinate Turkish police and intelligence officials, said the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

Kina was actively participating in terrorist activities in both Iraq and Iran to date.

Turkish authorities use the term "neutralize" to imply the terrorists in question surrendered or were killed or captured.

PKK terrorists often hide out across the border, in northern Iraq, to plot attacks.

In its more than 40-year terror campaign against Türkiye, the PKK — listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the US, UK, and EU — has been responsible for the deaths of nearly 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants.

*Writing by Merve Berker