Iraq: Turkish military carries out airstrikes in northern Iraq on September 28

Event

Turkish military authorities announced that at least four suspected Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants were killed in a series of airstrikes in Iraq's northern Kurdistan region on Monday, September 28. Officials stated that two PKK militants had been killed in strikes in the Haftanin region, with two more killed in Metina district. The strikes were part of Turkey's "Operation Claw-Tiger", launched in June 2020 and aimed at eliminating the PKK's presence on the Iraqi-Turkish border.

Further Turkish military operations are expected in the Kurdistan region over the near term.

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.

Advice

Those in northern Iraq are advised to monitor developments, remain vigilant for militant activity, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.

The security environment in Iraq remains complex. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to all travel.