The letter, penned by the Kurdish People’s Democratic Assembly of Britain, highlights significant concerns about potential humanitarian and environmental consequences resulting from Turkey’s military operations in the region.
Since 15 June, Turkey’s military activity in KRI has escalated, purportedly targeting PKK fighters. However, the assembly warns that these actions could lead to broader conflicts affecting the Kurdish population and the region’s stability. The letter points to an alarming increase in Turkish offensives, with 1,076 attacks reported since the beginning of 2024. The breakdown includes 526 offensives in Duhok, 405 in Erbil (Hewlêr), 135 in Suleymaniyah (Silêmanî) and 10 in Nineveh (Ninawa) Governorate.
The Turkish Armed Forces have penetrated 30 kilometres into the region, establishing at least 45 military bases and deploying over 300 tanks. The letter also alleges Turkey’s support for ISIS groups’ mobilisation into KRI, raising further security concerns.
The activists underscore the historical context of Kurdish resistance against ISIS and criticise the international community’s silence on Turkey’s actions. They emphasise that Turkey’s military operations violate Iraqi sovereignty and disrupt the lives of civilians, citing the long-term impact of the conflict, which has resulted in significant civilian casualties and the destruction of numerous villages.
The letter appeals to the UK Foreign Secretary to address these developments with Turkish, Iraqi, and other international counterparts. The coalition warns that inaction from leading democracies could precipitate a severe humanitarian and environmental crisis in a region already afflicted by decades of conflict.
The activists call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and advocate for a negotiated peace process to resolve the Kurdish issue in Turkey and the broader Middle East.
