We are outraged at the terrorist violence that claimed as many as 15 lives or more in Hakkari province today. The PKK terrorist organization has wrought a trail of bloodshed that serves only to perpetuate suffering. We condemn the PKK categorically and extend our deepest condolences to the victims' families and loved ones.

We will continue to work with our Turkish and Iraqi allies against this terrorist organization. We also call upon Iraqi and Kurdish regional government authorities to take immediate steps to halt PKK operations from Iraqi territory.

Putting an end to this cycle of violence is a goal that unites the governments of Turkey, Iraq and the United States.

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