06 Oct 2017 | 01:37 PM UTC
Iraq: Threatened closure of Turkish-Iraqi border
Turkish president threatens to close Iraqi border and airspace in near future following Kurdish independence referendum
Event
On Thursday, October 5, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan threatened to close the Turkish-Iraqi border, including its airspace, "soon" following the recent Kurdish independence referendum. This is the latest in a series of threats issued by Erdogan in response to the Kurdish referendum held in Iraqi Kurdistan on September 25. Previously, Erdogan swore to impose military and economic sanctions and announced that the decision to cut oil exports from the region would be made jointly with neighboring Iran and Iraq.
As a reminder, security controls have already been tightened along the main border crossing between Turkey and Iraq and all international flights to and from Erbil (EBL) and Sulaymaniya (ISU) airports in Iraqi Kurdistan have been suspended via an air embargo issued by Baghdad. Since October 2, foreign nationals already in Kurdistan have been permitted to leave via domestic flights through Baghdad International Airport (BGW) without obtaining an Iraqi visa or paying a fine. This applies to foreigners who had entered Iraqi Kurdistan on a visa valid only in Kurdistan and not recognized by Baghdad, and who could previously not travel to other parts of Iraq.
Context
On September 29, the central Iraqi government in Baghdad banned all international flights to and from Iraqi Kurdistan until further notice, with an exception for humanitarian and emergency flights (pre-approved by Baghdad). The autonomous Iraqi Kurdistan officially includes three provinces (Erbil, Dahuk, and Sulaymaniyah) protected by a security force (Peshmerga) independent from the Iraqi government. The Iraqi Kurdistan government held a referendum for independence on September 25 that was deemed unconstitutional by Baghdad and criticized by neighboring Iran, Turkey, and Syria (home to large Kurdish populations of their own). Turkey regards the referendum as a direct threat to its national security. Ankara has been fighting a Kurdish insurgency movement for the past three decades, spearheaded by the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), a group regarded as a terrorist organization by the EU, the US, and Turkey. Clashes between Turkish government troops and the PKK have intensified after a ceasefire fell apart in 2015.
Advice
Individuals wishing to travel to Iraqi Kurdistan are advised to postpone their trips until the situation stabilizes. Individuals currently in the region are advised to contact Iraqi consulates and airlines for further information.
Generally speaking, the security environment in Iraq remains complex. Although travel is permissible in some areas, other areas should be considered strictly off limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to all travel.
