01 Sep 2018 | 02:05 AM UTC
Iraq: Turkish forces kill 19 Kurdish militants in Kurdistan region Aug. 31 /update 2
Turkish forces kill 19 suspected Kurdish militants in Zab, Gara, and Hakurk (Kurdistan region) August 31; additional cross-border Turkish assaults on Kurdish militants possible in the coming weeks
Event
Turkish forces killed 19 suspected Kurdish militants in airstrikes on Zab, Gara, and Hakurk (Kurdistan region) on Friday, August 31. Additional cross-border Turkish air raids on Kurdish militants are possible in the Kurdistan region in the coming weeks.
Context
Turkey has faced a Kurdish insurgency since 1984, spearheaded by the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which was renewed in 2015 following the dissolution of a ceasefire. The conflict has left over 40,000 people dead since 1984 and associated violence continues to pose a significant security risk in southeastern Turkey. Turkish forces have reportedly killed dozens of PKK militants in northern Iraq since the beginning of their offensive against Kurdish militants in the region in March 2018.
Advice
Individuals in northern Iraq are advised to monitor developments to the situation, remain vigilant for militant activity, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.
The security environment in Iraq remains complex. Although travel is possible in some areas with proper security protocols in place, other areas should be considered strictly off-limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to all travel.
