Turkey and Iraq Unite to Combat Terrorism Following Iraqi Border Guards’ Deaths

In a tragic incident near the Turkish-Iraqi border, the two countries has united to fight terrorism following two Iraqi border guards that lost their lives, and another that injured in a shooting attributed to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), an outlawed group known for its insurgency against Turkey.

The attack occurred on Friday in Iraq’s autonomous Kurdish region, specifically in the Zakho district, as confirmed by Iraq’s interior ministry.

The ministry stated that the guards were performing their duty of securing the border when they were fired upon by PKK militants.

This act of violence highlights the ongoing security challenges in the region, where the PKK maintains several strongholds. The group’s presence in northern Iraq has also prompted the establishment of Turkish military bases in the area, further underscoring the complexity of regional dynamics.

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Expressing condolences, Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oncu Keceli addressed the incident via social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

“We are deeply saddened by the deaths of two border guards in the PKK terrorist attack,” he said. Keceli emphasized that the PKK remains a threat to the national security of both Turkey and Iraq, while also calling out the group’s repeated violations of Iraq’s sovereignty.

Turkey reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with Iraq to combat terrorism. “We will continue to fight together with Iraq against terrorism,” Keceli added, highlighting the importance of joint efforts in addressing such security threats.

The attack comes at a sensitive time, just ahead of a planned visit by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to Baghdad on Sunday. The visit is expected to include discussions on regional security, economic ties, and ways to strengthen cooperation between the two nations.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by militant groups in the region. Both Turkey and Iraq have underscored the need for unity in addressing these threats, aiming to secure peace and stability along their shared border.

AFP