Key Facts
- Operation dates
- 24–25 July 2015
- ISIL militants killed (est.)
- 35 (first wave)
- Airstrike waves vs ISIL
- 3
- Airstrike waves vs PKK
- 2
- Turkish provinces targeted domestically
- Over 22
- Trigger: soldier killed
- Yalçın Nane, killed 23 July 2015
Strategic Narrative Overview
The Turkish Air Force conducted five waves of airstrikes over 24 and 25 July: three against ISIL positions in Syria and two against PKK positions in Iraqi Kurdistan. F-16 jets departed from Diyarbakır and İncirlik Air Base. Approximately 35 ISIL fighters were reported killed in the first wave. A high-ranking PKK militant was confirmed dead, and PKK commander Murat Karayılan was alleged, though not confirmed, to have been killed.
01 / The Origins
On 23 July 2015, ISIL militants attacked a Turkish military border outpost in the town of Elbeyli, Kilis Province, killing soldier Yalçın Nane and wounding two others. Turkey, under pressure to take direct action against both ISIL along its Syrian border and the PKK in northern Iraq, launched a military response the following day. The operation was named in honour of the slain soldier.
03 / The Outcome
Turkey halted its airstrikes against ISIL after 25 July but continued operations against the PKK in northern Iraq, escalating violence in Turkish Kurdistan. Simultaneous large-scale domestic security sweeps were carried out across more than 22 provinces. Analysts described the operation as a major policy shift in Turkey's engagement with the Syrian conflict and the broader international campaign against ISIL.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
2 belligerents
Murat Karayılan (alleged PKK target).
Kinetic Engagement Axis
Scroll horizontally to view full axis. Events plotted relatively.