Most wanted senior PKK terrorist in northern Iraq, Eyvaz Beyaz, 'neutralized' in Turkish cross-border intelligence operation in Duhok-Gara region, say security sources

One of the senior PKK terrorists in northern Iraq, Eyvaz Beyaz, who is also most-wanted, was "neutralized" in Turkish cross-border intelligence operation in Duhok-Gara region, security officials said on Sunday.

Beyaz, codenamed Zerdest Karadeniz, was targeted in an operation by the Turkish National Intelligence Organization in the Duhok-Gara region, said the sources, who requested anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

Turkish authorities use the term "neutralized" to imply the terrorists in question surrendered or were killed or captured. PKK terrorists often hide out in northern Iraq, near the border with Türkiye, to plot more attacks.

After joining the rural establishment of the terrorist group in 1994, Beyaz attacked gendarmerie troops in Türkiye's Black Sea province of Sinop in 2010 and a police vehicle in the city of the same name in 2011. He also carried out a bomb attack against gendarmerie in the Black Sea province of Trabzon in 2012.

Wanted by Interpol with a red notice, Beyaz is also on the Turkish Interior Ministry's list of wanted terrorists. He is also responsible for attacks on operations launched by Turkish security forces in the Zap region of northern Iraq, the sources added.

Last Thursday Turkish intelligence forces also "neutralized" Ahmet Gumus, a so-called training officer of the PKK terror group, and then on Friday did the same to Necirvan Seven, another wanted PKK terrorist, in northern Iraq.

In its more than 35-year terror campaign against Türkiye, the PKK — listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the US and EU — has been responsible for the deaths of more than 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants.