Certain Iraqi officials have demanded Turkey’s full military withdrawal from the Kurdistan Region (KRI), citing ongoing violations of sovereignty and international law. Hawre Tawfiq, General Director of Foreign Relations for the Iraqi Presidency, voiced deep concerns over Turkey’s actions, urging the Iraqi government to take a firmer stance. Sheikh Qais al-Khazali, Secretary-General of Iraq’s Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq movement, reiterated this demand, calling for the complete withdrawal of Turkish forces from Iraq.
In an interview with VOA on Friday, Tawfiq condemned Turkey’s military operations in the KRI, describing them as a breach of international law and principles of good neighbourliness. “The Iraqi Presidency views these ongoing attacks on Iraq and the Kurdistan Region as violations of international law,” he stated, highlighting the negative impact on trade relations and on the “development road” project between Iraq and Turkey.
He went on to say that the Iraqi Presidency had hoped that strong economic and trade ties between the two nations would positively influence their political relations. However, the Turkish attacks, some of which have targeted civilians, now threaten to overshadow these crucial economic ties and the “development road” project. Tawfiq emphasised that the current situation requires collective efforts and a united stance.
He also noted that four security meetings between Iraq and Turkey since 2019 have failed to halt Turkish military attacks, resulting only in a memorandum rather than a formal agreement. He stressed that the Iraqi federal government must take decisive action, advocating for peaceful dialogue as the sole path to resolving Turkey’s internal issues.
Sheikh Qais al-Khazali renewed the call for Turkey’s withdrawal during a meeting with Turkish diplomats, including the newly appointed Turkish ambassador to Iraq Anıl Bora İnan, and Turkish foreign ministry official Ali Rıza Güney, the previous ambassador. “Turkey’s complete military withdrawal is essential to restore Iraq’s sovereignty and to ensure security,” said Khazali, rejecting the recent memorandum between the two countries as inadequate.
Khazali insisted that a comprehensive roadmap for the withdrawal of Turkish forces and exclusive control of Iraqi territories by Iraqi forces was essential, arguing that this step is crucial for rebuilding trust between Iraq and Turkey and ensuring peace in the region.
The Iraqi Presidency has maintained that only peaceful dialogue, not violence, will resolve these conflicts. As tensions rise, senior officials continue to demand a stronger response from Iraq’s government to safeguard sovereignty and international law.
