Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has hinted at possible military action against the PKK in northern Iraq, criticizing their continued presence and its implications for Iraqi sovereignty.
During a recent television interview, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan addressed the significant issue of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) operating in northern Iraq. He expressed concern over the PKK’s occupation of vast areas in Iraq, questioning how a sovereign state could allow such a situation to persist. Fidan’s comments come amid ongoing tensions regarding the PKK’s influence in the region, which he argues threatens the authority of the Iraqi state and raises serious questions about its sovereignty.
Fidan also alluded to potential changes in disputed regions such as Sinjar, Makhmour, and Qandil, emphasizing the need for the Iraqi government to display a clear commitment to resolving the issue. He cited the PKK's sustained presence in Sinjar as unacceptable, implying that military options may be reconsidered to ensure Iraqi sovereignty is upheld. Fidan has engaged in discussions with the Popular Mobilization Forces (hachd al-shaabi), indicating that these alliances could play a crucial role in any future actions planned against the PKK.
The implications of Fidan's remarks are significant for both Turkey and Iraq, especially considering the historical context of Turkish military operations against Kurdish groups. If Turkey and Iraq can align on a strategy to address the PKK, it could shift the balance of power in the region. The potential for military action raises concerns about the ongoing complexities of Kurdish autonomy and the response from local communities where the PKK operates, potentially igniting further conflict in an already volatile area.
