In a recent interview with CNN Türk, Turkish Defence Minister Yaşar Güler provided insights into Turkey’s controversial military operations targeting the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) in northern Iraq.
“Terrorism will be destroyed at its source, we will carry out continuous operations,” Güler said. Amid discussions on various defence and security matters, Minister Güler’s remarks shed light on the impact of these operations on the Kurdish population in Iraq.
Turkey’s historical relationship with Iraq was underscored by Minister Güler, emphasising the importance of maintaining good relations with its neighbour.
However, the focus of the discussion swiftly turned towards Turkey’s ‘counterterrorism’ strategy, with Güler emphasising the determination to eradicate the PKK at its source, particularly in northern Iraq, where the organisation has established a stronghold.
While detailing Turkey’s ‘relentless’ efforts to combat terrorism, Minister Güler urged Kurdish groups in Iraq to abandon ‘terrorist activities’, offering assistance for those willing to seek peace. He dismissed claims that the People’s Defense Units (YPG) is a separate entity from the PKK, stating that support for one is support for the other. The YPG is the main arm of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), who are allied with the United States in the fight against ISIS. The US military has a longstanding relationship with the Kurdish-led SDF and Pentagon spokesman Patrick Ryder made it clear last year that those forces are not related to the PKK.
The minister claimed that Turkey had played a “significant role” in the fight against ISIS and the neutralisation of thousands of ISIS militants. Some international observers dispute this angle, with journalist Fehim Taştekin pointing out that Turkey’s political landscape, shaped by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), has made the country the most accessible in the region for militants to freely enter, hide and operate, identifying the country as a major recruitment pool for ISIS. Nadine Maenza has said Turkey is “one of the most important reasons” for the recent re-emergence of ISIS.
Güler also made the claim that the goal of Turkey’s operations in northern Syria was protecting the Turkish borders and citizens from threats. “Our people no longer have any security problems at our borders,” he said, adding “We have no eyes on anyone’s land”.
The interview took place on the same day as a historic meeting between President Erdoğan and opposition leader Özgür Özel, with Özel keen to address many of the current issues facing the country.
A recent report in Al-Araby Al-Jadeed stated that leaders in Erbil and Baghdad have agreed to support Turkey’s airstrikes in Iraqi Kurdistan. Güler has announced that Iraqi forces will establish a joint operations centre to assist the Turkish military. The agreement is likely in return for Turkish concessions over water, oil and infrastructure after meetings in Erbil and Baghdad in April.
In related news, the UK government has updated its travel advise for Turkey, stating that the “FCDO advises against all travel to within 10km of the border with Syria due to fighting and a heightened risk of terrorism.” The FCDO also advises against “all but essential travel to” Sirnak city and Hakkari Province.
