Turkish intelligence eliminates PKK/YPG’s senior figures in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq
The National Intelligence Organization (MIT) of Türkiye has eliminated two so-called senior members of the PKK/YPG terrorist group, including a prominent figure in its Iranian branch, in a precision operation conducted in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq.
The targets were identified as Islam Dotkanlou, a senior PKK/YPG ringleader, and his guard, Akam Shahe.
Key terrorist organzation figures targeted in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq
According to security sources, MIT utilized its intelligence network in Iraq to locate Dotkanlou, an Iranian national and a so-called leader in the PKK/YPG’s Iranian network.
Dotkanlou, who was reportedly active in the Penjwen region of Sulaymaniyah, had been under surveillance by MIT field agents.
Dotkanlou was most recently responsible for the so-called Simko Serhildan Command Academy, and his activities had included leadership roles in Diyarbakir and Bitlis, where he was involved in multiple terrorist attacks against Turkish security forces.
Turkish intelligence’s operation details and background
MIT’s intelligence identified both Dotkanlou and his guard, known by the alias “Shivan Chiya” and whose real name is Akam Shahe. Following confirmation of their location, MIT launched a targeted operation, eliminating both individuals.
Dotkanlou had fled to Iraq following counterterrorism operations by Turkish security forces within Türkiye.
He later assumed a senior position within the PKK/YPG’s hierarchy in Sulaymaniyah. His guard, Shahe, also an Iranian national, had been active in Deryaz, also known as Mukriyan and Hakkari before being sent to Sulaymaniyah in 2024.