Prominent Shiite leader Qais al-Khazali has called on the Turkish government to withdraw its military forces from Iraqi territory, as Turkish airstrikes continue to target Kurdish villages north of Erbil.
Al-Khazali, Secretary-General of Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq, condemned the recent Turkish incursion into Iraqi lands, reaffirming Iraq’s stance against using its territory for attacks on neighboring countries.
He warned against exploiting pretexts to occupy parts of Iraq, specifically in the Kurdistan region, and to establish new borders by annexing large areas of Iraqi land.
Al-Khazali urged the Turkish government to respect neighboring rights and adhere to bilateral agreements, calling for the withdrawal of Turkish troops from all Iraqi regions.
He emphasized that Iraq should be trusted to prevent any attacks on Turkish soil originating from Iraqi territory.
He also called on the Kurdistan Regional Government to coordinate with the federal government to present a unified stance against Turkish ambitions.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has tasked National Security Advisor Qasim al-Araji with coordinating with Kurdistan authorities to address the repercussions of Turkey’s repeated incursions into the region.
Turkish military operations have intensified in Dohuk province, targeting PKK militants who launch attacks on Turkish forces from northern strongholds.
Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein stated that Iraq did not grant Turkey permission for military operations in Kurdistan and called for more security discussions with Turkish officials.
Despite acknowledging the PKK issue as an Iraqi problem, he stressed the need for more dialogue.
The Iraqi National Security Council condemned Turkey’s incursion over 40 kilometers into Iraqi territory following public and political outrage.
A recent Turkish airstrike injured two individuals in the Bradost area of Erbil province, with Kurdish media reporting that Turkish planes targeted the Lolan area, preventing medical teams from accessing the site due to ongoing bombardments.
The Turkish Ministry of Defense reported neutralizing nine PKK militants in northern Iraq, using the term “neutralized” to indicate killing, capturing, or injuring fighters.
The Turkish military continues operations against the PKK in northern Syria and Iraq, attributing approximately 40,000 deaths, both civilian and military, to the group’s separatist activities since the 1980s.
On Saturday, residents of Ti Shambi village, located at the center of the Turkish operation, evacuated their homes. Footage showed Turkish troops deploying in Meska village, nearby, destroying several homes and forcing residents to flee, leaving behind livestock and belongings.
The American World Peace Organization reported that Turkish forces have bombarded Kurdistan 285 times over 27 days, displacing 182 families and endangering 602 villages in Dohuk province.
According to Kamran Osman, head of the organization’s human rights office, 65,000 dunams of farmland have been destroyed due to Turkish military actions.
In June, American reports noted that the Turkish army had advanced into Kurdistan with 300 tanks and armored vehicles, establishing a security barrier within the Badinan region during the last ten days of the month.
