Operation Claw (2019–2020) Explained

Conflict:Operation Claw (2019)
Partof:the Kurdish–Turkish conflict (1978–present)
Place:Northern Iraq
Date:28 May 2019 – 14 June 2020
Territory:Turkish Armed Forces sets up more forts and barracks
Combatant1: Turkey
Combatant2: Kurdistan Workers' Party
Units1:Turkish Armed Forces

Gendarmerie General Command

Units2: KCK

HBDHTAK BÖG

Result:Turkish victory
  • Turkish Army sets up three new bases deep in Hakurk region & establishes a dozen observation points
  • Start of Operation Claw-Eagle Iraq
Commander1: Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
Hulusi Akar
Yaşar Güler
Commander2:Unknown
Casualties1:17 killed[1] 74 killed (per PKK)[2]
Casualties2: 1.067 killed (AA claim)[3] 67killed (per pkk)[4]

Operation Claw was a cross-border military operation by the Turkish Armed Forces into Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan Region against the Kurdistan Workers' Party.[5]

On the morning of 28 May 2019, Turkish troops fired artillery shells and launched air attacks, followed by border crossings by the Turkish Army and Gendarmerie Special Public Security Command.[6] On 30 May 2019, the first Turkish losses were recorded: a specialist sergeant and a second lieutenant were killed in action.[7]

On 31 May 2019, F-16 jets of the 181st Squadron "Leopard" hit PKK targets in the autonomous region.[8] In late June, press sources reported that the Turkish military combat-tested the Bora ballistic missile during Operation Claw in the Kurdistan Region.[9] In July, ground operations gradually died down, and only airstrikes were used in the Avasin-Basyan, Zap, Metina, Haftanin and Hakurk regions. 182nd Squadron "Accipiter", 181st Squadron "Leopard", and 14th UAV Systems Base Command participated in the operation.[10]

On 13 July, Turkey launched the next part of the counter-terror operation (Operation Claw-2) in Northern Iraq.[11] On 24 August, Operation Claw 3 was launched in Northern Iraq.[12] As a result, the Turkish Army set up three new bases deep in the Hakurk region and established a dozen observation points. In June 2020, the Turkish military officially announced the start of Operation Claw-Eagle in Iraq.[13]

Operation Timeline

2019

Operation Claw 1

May

On 12 May 2019, a group of PKK soldiers ambushed the Turkish Armed Forces, resulting in the deaths of two militants and bringing the PKK death toll to 45 in May. The weapons and head cameras were seized showing the route the militants came from.[14] Using the ambush as a justification, Turkey launched a 'counter-terror' military operation on 28 May in the Hakurk Region. The Turkish military objectives were to destroy PKK shelters and caves that they were hiding in.[15] On the first night of the operation, Sekif Mountain, in the vicinity of Lolan Water and Martyr Derviş Hill, was bombarded by Turkish Armed Forces warplanes for hours, before Turkish commandos & special forces joined the airborne assault of the Sekif Mountain and Martyr Derviş Hill. Following the clashes, 15 PKK militiamen were killed on the first day of the operation.[16] [17] By the end of the next day, the PKK suffered further losses according to the Turkish National Ministry of Defence, who claimed that another 15 militants were either killed or captured in northern Iraq's Hakurk area since the start of the operation.[18] The PKK death toll increased by four on 30 May, but at the same time, the first Turkish losses were recorded: a specialist sergeant and a second lieutenant killed in action.[19] Turkish warplanes continually bombarded PKK positions until the end of May.

June

It was announced that three PKK militants were killed or captured. This was soon followed by news that another five PKK militants had been killed.[20] [21] On June 3, at least six PKK militants were killed or captured in the Zap region.[22] In total estimates made by announcements by Turkey, the Turkish National Ministry of Defence stated that a total of 43 militants have been killed or captured in 'Operation Claw' since 28 May. It was reported that an Underwater Defence unit of the TAF operates in the area.[23] On June 6, the Turkish Minister of Defense Hulusi Akar had said: "We will not leave the region until the last threat is neutralized."[24] On 10 June, the Turkish Armed Forces destroyed 74 caves and shelters and 53 mines used by PKK militants in the Hakurk region, according to the Turkish National Ministry of Defense.[25] At the end of June, Turkey continued the unceasing air bombardment of north Iraq by including Bayraktar Tactical UAS drones and TAI Anka into the operation in the Kurdistan Region, constantly launching airstrikes on PKK militants, and by the end of June, 112 PKK militants had been killed or captured in a major blow for the PKK.[26] [27] Some sources have reported that the Turkish military may have combat-tested the Bora ballistic missile during Operation Claw .

July

In July, the ground operation slowed down and only airstrikes were conducted .The 182nd Squadron "Accipiter", 181st Squadron "Leopard" and 14th UAV Systems Base Command participated together in the operations for the month.

Operation Claw 2

August

In the beginning of August, most airstrikes were carried out in Hakurk Region.[10]

Operation Claw 3

September

October

November

December

2020

January

February

March

April

May

June

See also

Notes and References

  1. 1.067 killed (30 May 2019),https://www.reuters.com/article/us-turkey-iraq-security/turkey-says-warplanes-strike-targets-in-iraq-19-militants-neutralized-idUSKCN1T014O 1 killed (19 July 2019 per turkey),https://www.dailysabah.com/war-on-terror/2019/07/19/pkk-attacks-kill-2-turkish-soldiers-in-n-iraq-eastern-turkey 3 killed (25 Aug. 2019),https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/3-turkish-soldiers-martyred-in-pkk-attack/1564453 2 killed (23 Sep. 2019),https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkey-pkk-terrorists-martyrs-2-soldiers-in-niraq/1591505 1 died (28 Oct. 2019),https://www.independentturkish.com/node/86081/27-yaşındaki-teğmen-operasyonda-rahatsızlanıp-şehit-düştü 1 killed (2 Dec. 2019),https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/2-turkish-soldiers-martyred-in-terrorist-attacks/1661823 2 killed (2 Jan. 2020),https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/2-turkish-soldiers-martyred-in-operation-claw-in-niraq/1690562 2 killed (14 Jan. 2020),https://www.dailysabah.com/war-on-terror/2020/01/14/turkish-soldier-security-guard-killed-in-northern-iraq 2 killed (25 March 2020),https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2020-03-25/turkey-says-two-soldiers-killed-two-wounded-in-kurdish-militant-attack-in-iraq 1 killed (15 April 2020),https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkish-soldier-killed-in-terrorist-attack-in-iraq-153913 total of 17 reported killed
  2. https://www.dailysabah.com/
  3. Web site: Anadolu Ajansı . Anadolu Ajansı.
  4. http://www.aa.com.tr/tr/info/infografik/28032 access-date
  5. Web site: Turkey launches operation against PKK fighters in northern Iraq. Aljazeera.com.
  6. Web site: Turkey launches 'Operation Claw' against PKK in Iraq's Kurdish region. Middle East Eye.
  7. Web site: 'Pençe Harekatı' şehitlerine veda. www.aa.com.tr. 2019-11-07.
  8. Web site: Turkish jets hit PKK terror targets in northern Iraq. www.aa.com.tr. 2019-11-07. 2019-06-08. https://web.archive.org/web/20190608032840/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkish-jets-hit-pkk-terror-targets-in-northern-iraq/1493852. dead.
  9. Web site: Turkey's Bora missile saw combat debut: What next?. www.aa.com.tr. 2019-11-07.
  10. Web site: Search. www.aa.com.tr. 2019-11-07.
  11. Web site: Turkey launches counter-terror Operation Claw-2 in N.Iraq. www.aa.com.tr. 2019-11-07.
  12. Web site: Operation Claw 3 launched in northern Iraq: Turkey. www.aa.com.tr. 2019-11-07. 2019-09-22. https://web.archive.org/web/20190922100858/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/operation-claw-3-launched-in-northern-iraq-turkey/1563672. dead.
  13. Web site: Senior PKK terrorist among killed in N.Iraq op.. 2019-11-07. www.aa.com.tr.
  14. T.C. Millî Savunma Bakanlığı . tcsavunma . 1138723942728916992 . 2019-06-12 . Pençe Harekâtı'na devam eden Komandolarımız, saldırı girişiminde bulunan PKK'lı teröristlere anında karşılık vererek 2 teröristi etkisiz hale getirdi. Etkisiz hale getirilen teröristlerle birlikte 2 adet AK-47 ve kafa kamerası ele geçirildi. #MSB #TSK #PençeHarekatı https://t.co/ceofeFirUK . Continuing Operation Claw, our Commandos immediately responded to PKK terrorists who attempted to attack and neutralized 2 terrorists. Along with the neutralized terrorists, 2 AK-47s and head cameras were seized. #MSB #TSK #ClawOperation . tr . 2022-12-26 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221223160816/https://twitter.com/tcsavunma/status/1138723942728916992 . 2022-12-23 . live.
  15. Web site: Turkey launches counter-terror operation in north Iraq. www.aa.com.tr. 2019-11-07.
  16. Web site: 2019-05-28. Turkey launches counter-terror operation in north Iraq. https://web.archive.org/web/20190528091324/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/turkey-launches-counter-terror-operation-in-north-iraq/1490791. dead. 2019-05-28. 2020-11-14.
  17. Web site: 2020-05-16. TSK'nin Hakurk Operasyonu sona erdi – ÖZGÜR BASIN. https://web.archive.org/web/20200516153822/https://ozgurbasaen.net/tsknin-hakurk-operasyonu-sona-erdi/. dead. 2020-05-16. 2020-11-14.
  18. Web site: 6 PKK terrorists neutralized in northern Iraq. www.aa.com.tr. 2019-11-07.
  19. Web site: Turkey 'neutralizes' 4 more PKK terrorists in N Iraq. www.aa.com.tr. 2019-11-07.
  20. Web site: 3 PKK terrorists neutralized in northern Iraq. www.aa.com.tr. 2019-11-07.
  21. Web site: Turkish army neutralizes 5 PKK terrorists in N. Iraq. www.aa.com.tr. 2019-11-07. 2019-06-08. https://web.archive.org/web/20190608033208/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkish-army-neutralizes-5-pkk-terrorists-in-n-iraq/1495185. dead.
  22. Web site: At least 6 PKK terrorists neutralized in northern Iraq. www.aa.com.tr. 2019-11-07. 2019-06-08. https://web.archive.org/web/20190608021221/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/at-least-6-pkk-terrorists-neutralized-in-northern-iraq/1495872. dead.
  23. Web site: Turkey's 'Operation Claw' in north Iraq continues. www.aa.com.tr. 2019-11-07. 2019-06-09. https://web.archive.org/web/20190609145432/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkeys-operation-claw-in-north-iraq-continues/1498961. dead.
  24. Web site: Bakan Akar'dan Pençe Harekatı açıklaması: Son terörist etkisiz hale getirilmeden bölgeden çıkmayacağız. www.msn.com. 2019-11-09.
  25. Web site: PKK caves destroyed in Turkey's Operation Claw. www.aa.com.tr. 2019-11-07. 2019-06-10. https://web.archive.org/web/20190610152634/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/pkk-caves-destroyed-in-turkeys-operation-claw/1499596. dead.
  26. Web site: Turkish jets, drones breathe fire on PKK terrorists. www.aa.com.tr. 2019-11-07. 2019-06-27. https://web.archive.org/web/20190627172441/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkish-jets-drones-breathe-fire-on-pkk-terrorists/1516252. dead.
  27. Web site: Turkey neutralizes 60 PKK terrorists in N. Iraq. www.aa.com.tr. 2019-11-07.
  28. Web site: Pençe-2 Harekatında bir asker şehit düştü. www.aa.com.tr. 2019-11-07.
  29. Web site: Turkey: 255 terrorists 'neutralized' in N Iraq in 3 months. www.aa.com.tr. 2019-11-07.
  30. Web site: Kandil yolunda büyük kara harekâtı - Son Dakika Haberler. Milliyet. tr. 2019-11-19.
  31. Web site:
    1. KuzeyIrak #Hakurk // TSK'ya ait birliklerin Gorasher dağını kontrol etmesi ile birlikte Armuş Vadisinin büyük bir kısmı TSK'nın kontrolü altına geçti.
    . TSKMap.net. 4 August 2019. @TSKMap. tr. 2019-11-09.
  32. Web site: Turkish jets 'neutralize' 6 PKK terrorists in N. Iraq. www.aa.com.tr. 2019-11-07. 2019-08-10. https://web.archive.org/web/20190810140749/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkish-jets-neutralize-6-pkk-terrorists-in-n-iraq/1554057. dead.
  33. Web site:
    1. KuzeyIrak #Hakurk // TSK'ya ait ATAK helikopterleri Birkim köyü bölgesinde bulunan PKK hedeflerini vurdu.
    . https://web.archive.org/web/20200319162115/https://twitter.com/TSKMap/status/1161667586851049474. dead. March 19, 2020. TSKMap.net. 14 August 2019. @TSKMap. tr. 2019-11-09.
  34. Web site: Turkish jets hit PKK terror targets in northern Iraq. www.aa.com.tr. 2019-11-07. 2019-08-16. https://web.archive.org/web/20190816145421/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkish-jets-hit-pkk-terror-targets-in-northern-iraq/1557876. dead.
  35. Web site:
    1. KuzeyIrak // TSK'ya ait ATAK helikopterleri Hakurk bölgesinde PKK hedeflerini
    . https://web.archive.org/web/20200319162117/https://twitter.com/TSKMap/status/1163397231153729539. dead. March 19, 2020. TSKMap.net. 19 August 2019. @TSKMap. tr. 2019-11-09.
  36. Web site: 3 Turkish soldiers martyred in PKK attack. www.aa.com.tr. 2019-11-07.
  37. Web site: Total 15 terrorists neutralized in Operation Claw 3. www.aa.com.tr. 2019-11-07. 2019-08-25. https://web.archive.org/web/20190825191507/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/total-15-terrorists-neutralized-in-operation-claw-3/1564698. dead.
  38. Web site: SON DAKİKA: Pençe Harekatı'nda terör örgütü PKK'ya büyük darbe! İşte adım adım Pençe-3 Harekâtı!. Sabah. tr. 2019-11-09.
  39. Web site:
    1. KuzeyIrak // Peşmerge güçleri Pençe-3 harekatından dolayı Haftanin bölgesinde bulunan Kasrok, Mergaşiş, Daraşiş ve Behnuna köylerine girişleri yasakladı.
    . TSKMap.net. 2019-08-28. @TSKMap. tr. 2019-11-09.
  40. Web site: Kandil/Bawlah bölgesinde bir binaya düzenlenen hava harekatında örgütün PKK/KCK Yürütme Konseyi Üyesi "Pelşin Tolhildan" kod adlı Gülüzar Tural ile kadın yapılanması KJK'nın Yürütme Konseyi Üyesi " Jiyan Garzan" kod adlı Saliha Kaytar'ın etkisiz hale getirildi tespit. https://web.archive.org/web/20190914170050/https://twitter.com/TSKMap/status/1171732950267977728. dead. September 14, 2019. TSKMap.net. 11 September 2019. @TSKMap. tr. 2019-11-09.
  41. Web site:
    1. KuzeyIrak #Haftanin // Pençe-3 harekatı kapmasında 13 Eylül akşamı TSK'ya bağlı birlikler helikopterler aracılıyla Karaçal tepesine konuşlandı. // Konumu harita üzerinden incelemek
    . https://web.archive.org/web/20190919181528/https://twitter.com/TSKMap/status/1174737169707077632. dead. September 19, 2019. TSKMap.net. 19 September 2019. @TSKMap. tr. 2019-11-09.
  42. Web site:
    1. KuzeyIrak // Bölgeden gelen bilgilerin ve uydu görüntülerinin analizi sonucu TSK'ya bağlı birliklerin Pençe-3 harekatı kapsamında Haftanin bölgesinde bulunan Hales dağını kontrol altına aldığını tespit ettik. // Konum harita üzerinden incelemek için
    . https://web.archive.org/web/20190928133026/https://twitter.com/TSKMap/status/1172455627001597952. dead. September 28, 2019. TSKMap.net. 13 September 2019. @TSKMap. tr. 2019-11-09.
  43. Web site: Turkey's Claw-3 Operation continues in northern Iraq. www.aa.com.tr. 2019-11-07.
  44. Web site:
    1. KuzeyIrak // TSK tarafından Pençe harekatı kapsamında "Dayla(lelikan) bölgesinde" kontrol altına alınan ve yeni kurulan üsler haritaya eklenmiştir. // Harita üzerinden incelemek için
    . https://web.archive.org/web/20190918110003/https://twitter.com/TSKMap/status/1174270816181260288. dead. September 18, 2019. TSKMap.net. 18 September 2019. @TSKMap. tr. 2019-11-09.
  45. Web site: New phase begins in Turkey's northern Iraq operation. www.aa.com.tr. 2019-11-07.
  46. Web site: Turkey: PKK terrorists martyrs 2 soldiers in N.Iraq. www.aa.com.tr. 2019-11-07.
  47. Web site:
    1. KuzeyIrak // TSK'ya ait savaş uçakları sabah saatlerinde Gara/Hezanke bölgesine hava harekatı düzenledi.
    . TSKMap.net. 6 October 2019. @TSKMap. tr. 2019-11-09.
  48. Web site:
    1. KuzeyIrak // TSK'ya ait savaş uçaklarının Irak/Fişabur bölgesine düzenlediği hava harekatında PKK'lı teröristlere ait 1 aracın imha edildiği aktarılıyor.
    . TSKMap.net. 7 October 2019. @TSKMap. tr. 2019-11-09.
  49. Web site:
    1. KuzeyIrak // TSK'ya ait savaş uçakları (Pençe-3 harekatı kapsamında) Haftanin bölgesinde bulunan PKK hedeflerine yönelik hava harekatı düzenledi. // Konum
    . https://web.archive.org/web/20191013124039/https://twitter.com/TSKMap/status/1183104118459699202. dead. October 13, 2019. TSKMap.net. 12 October 2019. @TSKMap. tr. 2019-11-09.
  50. Web site:
    1. KuzeyIrak // TSK'ya ait savaş uçakları Kandil/Barawa bölgesinde bulunan PKK hedeflerini vurdu. // Konum
    . https://web.archive.org/web/20191017000708/https://twitter.com/TSKMap/status/1184545476466610176. dead. October 17, 2019. TSKMap.net. 16 October 2019. @TSKMap. tr. 2019-11-09.
  51. Web site:
    1. KuzeyIrak // TSK'ya ait savaş uçakları Kuzey Irak'ın Gara bölgesine hava harekatı
    . TSKMap.net. 16 October 2019. @TSKMap. tr. 2019-11-09.
  52. Web site:
    1. KuzeyIrak // Pençe-3 harekatı kapsamında Haftanin bölgesinde yol çalışması yapan TSK'ya ait iş makinesine yönelik saldırı hazırlığındaki 2 PKK'lı terörist SİHA atışı ile etkisiz hale getirilmiştir.[via .@Derinkuvvet]
    // Konum]. TSKMap.net. 18 October 2019. @TSKMap. tr. 2019-11-09.
  53. Web site: 27 yaşındaki teğmen operasyonda rahatsızlanıp şehit düştü. 29 October 2019. Independent Türkçe. tr. 2019-11-09.
  54. Web site: Turkish forces 'neutralize' 10 PKK terrorists in N Iraq - Turkey News.
  55. Web site: TSK, Erbil'in Sidekan bölgesini bombardımana tuttu. Peyama Kurd. Turkish. 13 December 2019.
  56. Web site: 2 Turkish soldiers martyred in Operation Claw in N.Iraq. 2020-06-15. www.aa.com.tr.
  57. Web site: Turkey neutralizes 2 PKK terrorists in northern Iraq. 2020-06-15. www.aa.com.tr.
  58. Web site: Turkey neutralizes senior female YPG/PKK terrorist. 2020-06-15. www.aa.com.tr.
  59. Web site: Turkish soldier, security guard martyred in N.Iraq. 2020-06-15. www.aa.com.tr.
  60. Web site: Injured Turkish soldier succumbs to wounds. 2020-06-15. www.aa.com.tr.
  61. Web site: Turkey arrests suspect over killing of Turkish diplomat. 2020-06-15. www.aa.com.tr.
  62. Web site: Turkish jets neutralize 6 PKK terrorists in N. Iraq. 2020-06-15. www.aa.com.tr.
  63. Web site: Turkey 'neutralizes' senior PKK terrorist in N. Iraq. 2020-06-15. www.aa.com.tr.
  64. Web site: Erbil: TSK uçakları Sidekan bölgesini bombaladı. Peyama Kurd. Turkish. 13 March 2020.
  65. Web site: Turkey neutralizes 8 YPG/PKK terrorists in Iraq. 2020-06-15. www.aa.com.tr.
  66. Web site: TSK'dan Sidekan'a top atışları. Rudaw. Turkish. 27 March 2020.
  67. Web site: Heavy blow inflicted on YPG/PKK terrorists in March. 2020-06-15. www.aa.com.tr.
  68. Web site: Son dakika... MİT'ten Irak'ın kuzeyine operasyon: Galya Bekir etkisiz hale getirildi. CNN Türk. Turkish. 14 May 2020.
  69. Web site: Turkish soldier martyred in terrorist attack in Iraq. 2020-06-15. www.aa.com.tr.
  70. Web site: Iraqi Foreign Ministry summons Turkish envoy. 2020-06-15. www.aa.com.tr.
  71. Web site: PKK terrorist ammunition seized in SE Turkey, N Iraq. 2020-06-15. www.aa.com.tr.
  72. Web site: İşgalci Türk devleti Bradost'u bombaladı. https://web.archive.org/web/20200509043900/https://www.nuceciwan46.com/2020/05/04/isgalci-turk-devleti-bradostu-bombaladi/. dead. 2020-05-09. Nûçe Ciwan. Turkish. 4 May 2020.
  73. Web site: Footage of YJA Star action in Xakurke.
  74. Web site: Çalakiya Girê Lelîkan, Xakurkê – 22'ê Gulanê 2020.
  75. Conflict . ConflictTR . 1264121307727302656 . 2020-05-23 .
    1. KuzeyIrak #Zap TSK'ya ait savaş uçakları Şeladize/Kurah Zur bölgesindeki PKK hedeflerine hava harekatı düzenledi. https://t.co/vMxGiHmAdP
    .
    1. KuzeyIrak #Zap TAF warplanes carried out an air operation against PKK targets in the Sheladize / Kurah Zur region.
    . tr . 2022-12-26.
  76. Web site: Turkey 'neutralizes' 10 PKK terrorists in northern Iraq. 2020-06-15. www.aa.com.tr.
  77. Web site: Turkey destroys PKK terrorists' 3-room cave in N. Iraq. 2020-06-15. www.aa.com.tr.
  78. Conflict . ConflictTR . 1268512884788781057 . 2020-06-04 .
    1. KuzeyIrak #Metina TSK'ya ait savaş uçakları, Berwari/Beşile vadisi bölgesindeki PKK hedeflerine yönelik hava harekatı düzenledi. https://t.co/JgBlHKkwrt
    .
    1. NorthernIraq #Metina TAF warplanes carried out an air operation against PKK targets in the Berwari/Beşile valley region.
    . tr . 2022-12-26.
  79. Web site: Turkey: PKK terrorists' improvised explosives seized. 2020-06-15. www.aa.com.tr.
  80. Web site: Turkish jets strike Kurdish militant targets in northern Iraq. Reuters. 15 June 2020.