Turkish fighter jets bomb PKK positions in Duhok

Shafaq News/ A security source reported, on Sunday, that multiple positions of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in the mountain ranges surrounding Al-Amadiyah district in Duhok governorate were bombarded by Turkish fighter jets.

The source told Shafaq News Agency, "Turkish aircraft carried out airstrikes on PKK positions in the Matin mountain range overlooking Al-Amadiyah in northern Duhok."

The source added that "the vicinity of Koherzi village was subjected to intense bombing several times, though no information is yet available on the casualties resulting from the attacks."

The conflict between Turkiye and the PKK dates back to the early 1980s when the PKK, founded by Abdullah Öcalan, began advocating for an independent Kurdish state within Turkiye.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the conflict intensified, with the PKK engaging in guerrilla warfare and the Turkish military conducting large-scale operations against PKK bases, particularly in southeastern Turkiye and northern Iraq.

The early 2000s saw intermittent ceasefires and attempts at peace negotiations, including a notable peace process in 2013. However, this process collapsed in 2015, leading to renewed hostilities.

Ankara frequently expresses disappointment over the Iraqi government's historical reluctance to recognize and ban the PKK as a terrorist organization. However, recent developments indicate a shift in Iraq's position.

Following high-level discussions between Turkish and Iraqi officials, Iraq has officially designated the PKK as a "banned organization".

This move aligns with Turkiye’s concerns and opens the door for enhanced cooperation in combating terrorism.