The Turkish Ministry of National Defense (MSB) reported that PKK terrorists attempted to escape detection by setting fire to forests in northern Iraq. According to an official statement, terrorists used civilians in Dergele village as shields and fired mortars at Turkish troops. To avoid being located, they ignited the forests, exploiting the Turkish Armed Forces’ commitment to protecting civilians and residential areas.

The statement highlighted that PKK terrorists are falsely blaming the Turkish Armed Forces for the forest fires to deceive locals. Additionally, terrorists endanger civilians by opening fire in the villages they enter. Despite these tactics, the Turkish Armed Forces remain dedicated to safeguarding civilians, settlements, and the environment, ensuring terrorists cannot escape.