Turkiye Conducts Artillery Strikes Against Kurdish Separatist Positions in Northern Iraq
Turkiye has launched new artillery strikes against Kurdish separatist positions in northern Iraq, according to the defense ministry and Iraqi sources. Despite President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s recent statement that operations against the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in Iraq were coming to an end, the latest overnight shelling was described as “intense” by a security source in northern Iraq. Turkiye’s defense ministry stated that the airstrikes were carried out in the Gara, Qandil, and Asos regions, in line with their right to self-defense.
The Turkish army targeted 25 locations, including PKK “caves, bunkers, shelters, stores, and installations.” Turkiye, along with most of its western allies, considers the PKK to be a terrorist group. The PKK has been engaged in a conflict with the Turkish state since 1984. Kamran Othman, a member of the Community Peacemakers Teams (CPT) group working in Iraqi Kurdistan, confirmed that the attacks lasted approximately 45 minutes and did not result in any civilian casualties.
The CPT, however, has reported over 230 incidents of artillery shelling since June 15, some of which have caused fires on agricultural land and affected civilians. Turkiye has expressed its intention to establish a security zone in northern Iraq and Syria to prevent militant incursions.
The ongoing conflict between Turkiye and the PKK has had a significant impact on the region. Turkiye has been conducting military operations against the PKK in both Iraq and Syria, aiming to eliminate the group’s presence near its borders. The PKK, on the other hand, seeks greater autonomy for the Kurdish population and has been engaged in armed resistance against the Turkish state.
The recent artillery strikes by Turkiye highlight the continued tensions in the region. Despite previous claims by President Erdogan that the operations against the PKK were ending, the latest attacks indicate that the conflict is far from over. Turkiye’s defense ministry stated that the airstrikes were carried out in self-defense, emphasizing the country’s right to protect its borders and citizens.
However, the CPT’s reports of civilian casualties and damage to agricultural land raise concerns about the impact of these operations on the local population. It is crucial for Turkiye to ensure that its military actions are targeted solely at the PKK and do not harm innocent civilians or their livelihoods.
The international community has been closely monitoring the situation in northern Iraq and Syria, urging all parties to exercise restraint and find a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The ongoing violence not only threatens the stability of the region but also hampers efforts to address the root causes of the conflict and achieve lasting peace.
It is essential for Turkiye to engage in dialogue with the Kurdish population and address their legitimate grievances. A comprehensive and inclusive approach that addresses the political, economic, and social concerns of the Kurdish people is crucial for long-term peace and stability in the region.
In conclusion, Turkiye’s recent artillery strikes against Kurdish separatist positions in northern Iraq highlight the ongoing tensions in the region. While Turkiye asserts its right to self-defense, it is essential to ensure that these operations do not harm innocent civilians or their livelihoods. The international community must continue to encourage dialogue and a peaceful resolution to the conflict, addressing the root causes and working towards a comprehensive and inclusive solution that promotes peace and stability in the region.