[OPINION] Turkish military uses PKK as justification for Iraq, Syria operations
Turkish MinuteApr 23, 2023
Two nongovernmental organizations — the Accountability Unit and Women for Justice — have lodged a formal complaint with the UN concerning Turkish airstrikes in 2021 which allegedly targeted an Iraqi hospital.
The complaint has been filed on behalf of four Iraqi citizens, who are all Yazidi. The complaint follows a two-year investigation into the airstrikes, which saw eight civilians killed and 15 others injured.
Turkey continues to intensify its war against Kurdish militants in both Syria and Iraq, exploiting the weaknesses of its neighbors. Despite Syria and Iraq's own history of oppressing religious minorities, these two nations two have become distracted by Ankara's persistent military offenses within their territories. The likes of the PKK have become a convenient excuse for Turkey to invade and exercise control over Arab states, and Ankara remains adamant about continued military action — with the Yazidis sadly becoming collateral damage.
Iraq must do more to fight the PKK and recognize the group as a terrorist organization. Both Ankara and Baghdad know too well the dangers of terrorism, regardless of if there are differences in approach. Turkey continues to remain open to cooperation with Iraq in fighting the likes of the PKK, as the security of both Turkey and Iraq are by nature inseparable.