Bosnia condemns killing of 13 Turkish hostages by PKK

BELGRADE, Serbia

Bosnia and Herzegovina on Monday strongly condemned the brutal killing of 13 Turkish citizens by the PKK terrorist group in the Gara region of northern Iraq.

"We extend our sincere condolences to the President of the Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the families of the victims and the entire Turkish people," the Bosnian Presidency said in a statement.

The massacre caused a public outcry in Turkey, with political figures and local authorities vowing to fight against terrorism until the last terrorist is neutralized.

The PKK executions also drew worldwide reactions.

The bodies of the Turkish citizens were found during Turkey's anti-terror operation in northern Iraq, National Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said Sunday.

Turkish forces launched Operation Claw-Eagle 2 on Feb. 10 to prevent the PKK and other terrorist groups from re-establishing positions used to carry out cross-border terror attacks on Turkey.

Operations Claw-Tiger and Claw-Eagle were initiated last June to ensure the safety of people and Turkey's borders.

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US, and the EU -- has been responsible for the deaths of 40,000 people, including women, children and infants. The YPG is its Syrian offshoot.