The debate over Ankara's approval of Sweden's admission to the NATO alliance reignited following the heavy loss of 12 Turkish soldiers in two separate attacks on Turkish bases in northern Iraq. Türkiye retaliated with a series of air strikes and operations by destroying PKK targets in Northern Iraq and Syria, which in effect neutralized at least 56 terrorists, including a leader of the terrorist organization. The US recognizes the PKK as a terrorist group, although it also receives criticism for its support of its Syrian wing, the YPG. NATO's support of Ankara's counter-terrorism measures backs Ankara's plan to acquire F-16 fighter jets from the US, but it all hinges on Türkiye's ratification of Sweden's NATO bid.