The International Federation of Iraqi Refugees (IFIR) has strongly condemned Turkey’s ongoing military operations in Iraqi Kurdistan and called for an immediate end to the occupation of Kurdish territories. IFIR calls on the United Nations, human rights organisations, trade unions and freedom advocates to take action against Turkey’s aggression.
According to the IFIR statement, the Turkish government has sent thousands of troops, tanks and armoured vehicles into Iraqi Kurdistan under the pretext of border security and the fight against the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). However, this military operation has caused significant damage to local villages, destruction of gardens and homes and civilian casualties, even reaching the city of Duhok.
IFIR demands an immediate end to Turkey’s military invasion and bombardment of Iraqi Kurdistan and calls for a complete withdrawal of Turkish forces to allow displaced villagers to return safely to their homes. It also demands compensation for those affected by the occupation, as many have suffered losses due to the destruction of property and disruption of their livelihoods. These measures, IFIR argues, are essential steps towards restoring stability and upholding the rights of the Kurdish people of the region.
The Federation highlights Turkey’s broader strategic goals, accusing President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of using the military offensive to secure political, economic and security influence in the region, including in northern Syria. The statement also criticises the silence of the United Nations and the perceived complicity of the US, Iraqi and Kurdish governments in facilitating Turkey’s actions, according to IFIR.
The statement concludes with a call for global solidarity to pressure the Turkish government to respect the sovereignty and rights of the Kurdish people in Iraq.
