Turkey launched Operation Claw-Eagle in northern Iraq during the night of 14–15 June 2020, targeting positions associated with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party.

A new cross-border air campaign

Turkey’s defence ministry said aircraft struck caves and shelters in several areas. Ankara described the operation as a response to security threats from the PKK, which Turkey, the United States and the European Union designate as a terrorist organisation.

The operation was followed by a ground campaign called Claw-Tiger. Iraqi authorities objected to violations of sovereignty, while reports of civilian harm intensified concern about proportionality and accountability. Conflicting claims from the parties require cautious independent verification.

Why it mattered

This event formed part of Turkey’s political, security, economic or social record in 2020 and continued to shape public debate beyond the immediate news cycle.

Sources

• Anadolu Agency citing Defence Ministry
• Reuters follow-up

Featured image is illustrative and credited in the media attachment; it is not presented as an image of the event.