Türkiye fights against PKK, not us: KRG PM Barzani

Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani clarified that Türkiye’s military operations in northern Iraq are aimed at the PKK terrorist group, not the KRG.

In a recent interview, Barzani highlighted that the ongoing conflict stems from the presence of the PKK. He urged the group to cease its activities if it truly represents Kurdish interests.

Barzani addresses Türkiye’s operations

In an interview with Erbil-based K24 television, Prime Minister Barzani stated, “Türkiye is fighting the PKK, not us. The PKK’s presence is the reason for this war.”

He urged the PKK to cease its activities if it genuinely supports Kurdish unity. Barzani made it clear that the KRG is not the target of Türkiye’s military actions but rather the PKK’s operations in the region.

PKK’s impact on local population

Barzani criticized the PKK for its disruptive actions within the KRG, accusing the group of extorting local villagers, preventing access to their land, and kidnapping young people. “The PKK behaves as though they control the area, taking money from our people and causing problems for the local population,” Barzani said.

He emphasized the deep-rooted nature of the issue and stressed the government’s efforts to prevent the conflict from spreading further into cities like Duhok and Zaho.

KRG’s efforts to contain the conflict

The Prime Minister highlighted the steps the KRG has taken to prevent the war from reaching more populated areas.

“We have set up a defensive line with the Peshmerga forces to stop the PKK from advancing further,” Barzani noted. He also expressed frustration that hundreds of villages remain underserved due to the ongoing conflict, with the PKK showing no willingness to engage in dialogue with the KRG.