BAGHDAD, Iraq — Turkey’s military operations in the Kurdistan Region have escalated into urban areas over the past three months, raising significant concerns about civilian safety and Iraqi sovereignty. Despite this escalation, the Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) have remained largely silent.
In just the past week, Turkish drone strikes have resulted in the deaths of seven Kurdish civilians, including three children. The mounting civilian toll has intensified fears as Turkey continues its military actions in the Region.
Shirwan Dubardani, a Kurdish lawmaker in the Iraqi Parliament, has called for a unified response from both the Iraqi government and the KRG, advocating for coordination between the Federal Defense Ministry and the Regional Ministry of Peshmerga. He emphasized the need for a cohesive stance to address the growing impact of Turkey’s operations on civilian lives in the border areas.
On August 15, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Turkey and Iraq, outlining military, security, and counter-terrorism cooperation. The agreement includes the establishment of a joint security coordination centre in Baghdad and a joint training and cooperation centre in Bashiqa, Nineveh province. Under this accord, Iraq will provide logistical support, including medical services and accommodations, to Turkish forces.
Ahmed Mousawi, an Iraqi MP on the Security and Defense Committee, criticized the memorandum, arguing it undermines Iraq’s sovereignty by granting excessive authority to Turkey. He asserted that such agreements should undergo parliamentary scrutiny before approval.
Since June 15, Turkish forces have launched a military operation against the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) positions, advancing several kilometers into Iraqi territory. This has led to the evacuation of several villages and destruction of farmland.
Eight months ago, the Iraqi House of Representatives held a closed meeting to discuss Turkish incursions, but no decisive actions were taken. Since then, Turkey has intensified its military actions.
The Community Peacemaker Teams (CPT) reports that Turkish operations, which began on June 15, have resulted in the deaths of over 12 civilians, with additional injuries reported. Recent drone attacks in Sulaimani’s Dukan and Chwarta districts have caused six fatalities.
Despite the escalating conflict and rising civilian casualties, Iraqi authorities and the Kurdistan Region have yet to make an official response, leaving concerns about sovereignty and civilian protection unaddressed.
With reporting by Akam Fahmi, Zoom News reporter in Baghdad.
