In an exclusive interview conducted by Nupel journalist Günay Aslan, Ahmet Karamus, Co-chair of the Kurdistan National Congress (KNK), shared detailed insights on Turkey’s ongoing military operations in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Aslan himself related the contents of the interview and published this on his YouTube channel.
Turkey’s current military intervention marks a significant departure from previous operations, said Ahmet Karamus, Co-chair of the Kurdish umbrella organisation Kurdistan National Congress (KNK), noting that past operations have been limited in scope and duration, involving a limited number of troops and equipment, and often concluded with declarations of mission success followed by either withdrawal or transition to a different phase.
New strategic approach
He said that Turkey’s current campaign in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (South Kurdistan) involves a substantial military force aimed at occupying a vast area extending from the KRI’s border with Iran to Zakho (Zaxo) and its border with North and East Syria (Rojava). He noted that Turkey has been continuously deploying troops, tanks and artillery to the region, with hundreds of tanks already positioned. The primary objective, according to Karamus, appears to be the total occupation of the KRI.
Karamus pointed out that Turkey’s large-scale military presence in the region would not be possible without Iraq’s approval. He inferred a close cooperation between Turkey and Iraq, although he acknowledged the complexities posed by Iran’s influence within Iraq. He noted Iran’s silence since the commencement of Turkey’s operation, suggesting another possible tacit agreement between Iran and Turkey. He expressed concern over Iran’s acceptance of Turkish troops along its border, highlighting the regional power dynamics and potential future risks.
Regional and international reactions
Discussing the broader geopolitical implications, Karamus asserted that Turkey aims to sever the connection between North and East Syria and the KRI and close the Iraqi border, and to that end is intensifying military activities such as the establishment of new bases, watchtowers and checkpoints in critical areas. He criticised the lack of substantial responses from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), the Iraqi Federal Government and the international community, including the United States. He noted that despite the significant American presence in the region, the US has not issued a formal response to Turkey’s operations, interpreting this as implied approval.
Karamus detailed the dire situation faced by local residents, noting that villages are being burned and villagers forced to relocate. He noted also that the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) has been urging the people to be patient, framing the presence of Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) guerillas as a threat that will soon be eradicated. This stance, Karamus argued, suggests a covert agreement between the KDP and Turkey, though the specifics remain unclear.
Looking ahead, Karamus warned of Turkey’s potential plans to target North and East Syria after consolidating its position in the KRI, particularly in light of the upcoming US presidential elections. He speculated that a victory for Trump might lead to further Turkish aggression in the region, as Trump could be more amenable to negotiations with Turkey.
Call for national unity
Karamus stressed the urgent need for a unified Kurdish reaction to counter Turkey’s aggressive actions. He lamented the lack of a strong national response and robust resistance from both political leaders and civil society in North and East Syria. He called for heightened awareness and mobilisation among Kurds in all parts of Kurdistan and the diaspora to protect their achievements and resist the ongoing occupation.
The interview with Ahmet Karamus provides a comprehensive overview of the current geopolitical and on-the-ground realities in Southern Kurdistan. It underscores the complexities and challenges faced by the Kurdish population during Turkey’s military operations, and highlights the critical need for a coordinated and strategic response to safeguard their future.
Günay Aslan is a veteran Kurdish journalist and chief editor of Nupel News and Nupel Tv
