Apr 19, 2024. Posted by Periscope - Hellas
A security source reported on Friday that Turkish warplanes carried out an airstrike on positions belonging to Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants in the Mount Metina range overlooking Al-Amadiyah district north of Duhok.
The source
told Shafaq News Agency that "the vicinity of villages was subjected to
bombardment, with the resulting casualties unknown. Additionally, the Turkish
army indiscriminately shelled large gatherings of citizens who had ventured out
into nature."
Eyewitnesses
stated that "although the road was reopened today, government officials
cautioned citizens against approaching areas occupied by Turkish forces.
However, some individuals did not adhere to these instructions, prompting the
Turkish army to open fire without causing any casualties among civilians."
The PKK
conflict, spanning four decades, has been a persistent challenge, with Ankara
expressing disappointment in the Iraqi government's "historical
reluctance" to acknowledge and ban the PKK as a terrorist organization.
However,
recent developments have signaled a shift in Iraq's stance.
Following
high-level talks between Turkish and Iraqi officials, Iraq announced the
designation of the PKK as a "banned organization," aligning with
Turkiye's concerns and paving the way for enhanced cooperation in combating
terrorism.
In March
2024, Turkiye proposed the establishment of a "joint operation
center" with Iraq to combat the PKK, a move that has received a positive
response from Baghdad.
According
to a Turkish defense ministry official, the proposal aims to enhance
cooperation in addressing the PKK's activities along the Iraq-Turkiye border.
Shafaq News
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