HyeOctane

As the US continues to seek ways to stabilize Iraq, Turkey has launched yet another offensive aimed at destabilizing northern Iraq. In what is the largest Turkish incursion of Iraq since the 2003 US-led removal of Saddam Hussein, over 10,000 troops moved across the border under the pretext of combating PKK rebels.

Although the US was aware of the incursion, it has had clear reservations about the operation and has signaled to Turkey that such military attacks will not solve the situation. Indeed, similar invasions in the past have done little to stop the PKK, an organization spawned out of Turkey’s years of oppression and ethnic cleansing of its Kurdish citizenry.

For its part, the Iraqi government has vociferously condemned Turkey’s actions and demanded an immediate withdrawal, citing the destruction of five bridges “contrary to the promises made by the Americans or other sides that the Turkish forces won’t target the infrastructure or population.”

The Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) has been even more outspoken in its opposition to Turkey’s latest illegal violation of Iraqi sovereignty. “This is against international protocols, and it is a violation of international laws,” spokesman Fouad Hussein said.

With local Kurdish residents fearing for their lives, KRG forces have reportedly taken up positions and warned Turkey not to target innocent people or cross deeper into their territory. Iraqi Kurdish forces have already warned that forays into civilian areas and further Turkish advances will be met by Kurdish counter-attacks.

With the local government and Kurdish population convinced that Turkey’s real intent is to destroy the autonomy of the KRG, Ankara’s invasion is greatly endangering one of the most peaceful and stable parts of Iraq.