Türkiye, Iraq continue counterterrorism efforts despite Kirkuk incident, says FM spox
Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Oncu Keceli. (AA Photo)
Türkiye and Iraq are demonstrating a stronger, united front in the fight against terrorism, according to Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Oncu Keceli Friday.
This enhanced cooperation follows Iraq’s designation of the PKK/YPG terror group as a “banned organization” and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Aug. 15 in Ankara, focused on security, military, and counter-terrorism efforts.
Türkiye, Iraq’s MoU to strengthen counterterrorism efforts
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Keceli emphasized the significance of Iraq’s recent steps against the PKK/YPG, a terrorist organization responsible for over 40,000 deaths during its 40-year insurgency.
He noted that the MoU represents a pivotal moment in bilateral relations, with both nations committed to ensuring the cooperation yields “concrete results in the field” through increased coordination between their respective authorities.
“Türkiye continues its fight against the terrorist organization nestled in Iraqi territory in accordance with the principle of self-defense included in Article 51 of the U.N. Charter,” Keceli said.
“Türkiye is fully committed to the fight against terrorism,” Keceli said, underscoring Ankara’s determination to combat terrorism, particularly the PKK, which has been using northern Iraq as a base for operations against Türkiye and local populations in northern Syria.
Investigation underway after Turkish drone shot down in Kirkuk
Keceli also addressed an incident in the northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk, where a Turkish drone was reportedly shot down earlier Thursday.
He confirmed that coordination has been established with Iraqi authorities to “fully clarify all details of the incident.”
The Iraqi Joint Operations Command had issued a statement earlier, identifying the downed drone as Turkish. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
https://x.com/SpoxTR_MFA/status/1829186894397161730
