STOP making Kurdistan a target for Turkish bombs

[Anthea]

Why Are Bafel and Qubad Talabani

Impeding Peshmerga Unification?

The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) is, on the surface and in terms of privileges and power, one of the main partners of the ninth cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). The party has been given more posts and power than it actually deserves

The PUK is not only playing a negative role against the Kurdistan Region and its people, it is also the biggest impediment standing in the way of carrying out reforms as well as efforts to unify Peshmerga forces.

The conduct of the PUK is such as if its primary duty is to oppose the constitutional status of the Kurdistan Region and its people. The party has been embezzling public revenues in Sulaymaniyah, Halabja, Garmian, and Raparin district. Moreover, the PUK has also monopolized revenues generated at border crossings, is involved in smuggling commodities, and also taking bribes from traders. The party has also confiscated all strategic pieces of land in these areas, using them to advance its interests and those of its companies.

The PUK, which is monopolized by Bafel and Qubad Talabani, doesn't use revenues generated in Sulaymaniyah for public service projects in the province, nor does the party allow the Kurdistan Regional Government to execute service and infrastructure development projects in these areas. The party's security establishment has been found complicit in plotting to assassinate party members and leaders critical of the PUK in Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Garmian, and Raparin district.

Yet, Bafel and Qubad Talabani continue to harbor murderers and terrorists, and have consistently refused to hand them over to the judiciary. What's more, the PUK has consistently been hindering efforts to unify Peshmerga forces and carry out Peshmerga reforms.

Bafel and Qubad Talabani illegally seized power without having competence or experience. They are inept, and are fit for anything other than leading a party or governing a province. These two are currently very close allies of Iraqi militia groups blacklisted as terrorist groups by the US and the EU. Therefore, they behave with a militia mentality, fearing the fact that Peshmerga forces will be under the command of the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs if they are unified, and not under their control.

Shorish Ismael was Minister of Peshmerga Affairs from the beginning of this KRG cabinet. He was known to be a supporter of Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and his vision for reform making and a unified Peshmerga force. Ismael also had good coordination with US and coalition forces. He was very serious and determined to unify Peshmerga forces. That's why Bafel and Qubad Talabani removed him from his position as minister to prevent the unification of Peshmerga forces and reforms

We all know that the US and its allies including the UK, Germany, France, and Italy, have been supporting the KRG and have been very serious in their support for the unification of Peshmerga forces. But, PUK's Bafel and Qubad Talabani have consistently been impeding the Peshmerga unification process, disappointing the US and allies in this regard.

So, why would Bafel and Qubad Talabani prevent the unification of Peshmerga forces?

1.Current PUK's ruling leaders are not statesmen. Rather, they are solely concerned with money making and enriching themselves

2.Current PUK's ruling leaders, Bafel and Qubad Talabani in particular, think with a militia mentality. That's, they want their Peshmerga forces to remain under their command, not under the command of the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs

3.Current PUK's ruling leaders are closest allies with leaders of Iraq's militia groups, who are blacklisted. Note that Bafel Talabani appears wearing a pair of boots and black costume normally worn by militia groups

4.Current PUK's ruling leaders are complicit in the financial corruption endemic in PUK Peshmerga budget. That's why they want to keep access to this financial corruption

5.Current PUK's ruling leaders are very hostile to the KRG despite being main partners in this cabinet, and this is because Prime Minister Masrour Barzani remains committed to confronting corruption

6.There's a dangerous regional agenda working to undermine the government in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. Current PUK's ruling leaders are part of this agenda

7.Current PUK's ruling leaders want PUK's Peshmerga forces to serve the interests of Iraqi militia groups

The people of the Kurdistan Region, as much as the KRG Prime Minister, want to see Peshmerga forces unified. The US and its allies along with other friends of the Kurdistan Region share the same wish. That's why, the PUK, Bafel and Qubad Talabani will pay a heavy price for opposing the unification process of Peshmerga forces. Until then, I hope they cannot do more harm to the Kurdistan Region and its constitutional status.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/816611

[Anthea]

Turkish Bombardment Kills Civilian

At least one civilian was killed and another was injured on Thursday as a result of a Turkish bombardment in Shiladze town of Duhok province

The incident took place early morning of Thursday. The deceased was identified as Osman Roshdi, 32, a married man with no children, who was reportedly a beekeeper in the area.

There is a decades-long armed conflict between the Turkish army and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which is designated as a “terrorist organization” by Ankara.

The PKK is present at the border areas of the Kurdistan Region, attracting the Turkish army into the region and putting the lives of civilians in significant danger. Kurdish authorities have repeatedly called the two sides to avoid using Kurdistan’s territory as a battlefield to settle their disputes

Turkey has lately intensified its operations against the PKK in the border areas of the Kurdistan Region, especially in Duhok, where more than 100 villages have already been evacuated due to the armed confrontations.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/854673

Agreed, the two sides MUST STOP using Kurdistan’s territory as a battlefield

The PKK should be inside in Northern Kurdistan liberating it from the oppressive Turkish government that has been stripping Kurdish lands of it's minerals and suppressing Kurds for more than 100 years

[Anthea]

PKK is a Banned Party

The Iraqi Federal Government has issued an official directive asking all Iraqi state institutions to officially designate the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) as a banned organization in all official communications

According to a letter from Falah Aboudi, Director General of the Office of Administrative Affairs of the Secretariat General of the Iraqi House of Representatives, sent to several offices affiliated with the House of Representatives, referenced as letter No. 25401.

The letter states that, following a recommendation from Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani, Iraqi Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Iraqi Armed Forces, the name of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) must now be referred to as (PKK - the banned party) in all official speeches and documents.

This directive follows last month's announcement by the Iraqi Federal Government and the Iraqi Interior Ministry, which concluded in their investigations into the burning of markets in Kirkuk, Erbil, and Duhok, that the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) orchestrated these arson attacks through a network of criminal gangs

This development coincides with the Turkish military's intensified operations against the PKK in border towns within the Kurdistan Region. According to a senior advisor to the Iraqi Prime Minister, Turkey's military actions in these border areas are conducted in coordination between Baghdad and Ankara.

Turkish military actions against the PKK have led to increased risks for civilians, prompting Kurdish authorities to call for restraint from both sides in using Kurdistan as a battleground for their conflicts.

The recent escalation in Turkish operations, notably in Duhok, has resulted in the evacuation of more than 100 villages due to ongoing armed confrontations.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/855175

[Anthea]

Turkey Intensifies Pressure on Bafel Talabani

Turkish security sources have warned of potential "operational consequences" if the Iraqi Kurdish leader Bafel Talabani does not change his approach, according to Middle East Eye

Ankara has increased pressure on Bafel Talabani, (ILLEGAL) head of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), alleging cooperation with Kurdish armed groups designated as terrorists. Tensions between Talabani’s PUK and Ankara have risen over the past two years, with Turkey accusing him of collaborating with PKK-affiliated groups in Syria.

In response, Ankara banned flights to Sulaymaniyah in northeastern Iraq, a PUK stronghold. Turkish officials, including President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, have publicly criticized Talabani.

Despite these pressures, a Turkish source informed Middle East Eye that senior PKK members have reportedly undergone training in Sulaymaniyah. In March, Turkey's national intelligence service eliminated Gulsun Silgir, also known as Sara Hogir Riha, a senior PKK member responsible for youth camps near Sulaymaniyah.

Turkish security sources disclosed to Middle East Eye that Talabani has been warned about potential repercussions if he does not sever ties with the PKK. Throughout 2023, Turkey conducted military drone operations in Sulaymaniyah, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 senior PKK figures.

Recently, Talabani met with Iraqi National Security Adviser Qasim al-Araji in Sulaymaniyah to discuss Turkey's operations.

Sources within the PUK indicated internal divisions weakening Talabani's position, with expectations that the party's military wing will support Lahur, who founded the People’s Front party in January as a challenger to Bafel, in the upcoming Kurdistan elections.

A PUK source voiced concerns that internal discord could destabilize the region, potentially benefiting the PKK and Iran.

Turkish security sources revealed ongoing indirect communications with Bafel Talabani through intelligence channels and Qubad Talabani, also Kurdistan Region's deputy prime minister. Allegations of PKK ties have reportedly led to the rejection of direct meetings between Bafel Talabani and Turkish counterparts.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/855154

[Anthea]

Bombs Target PKK in Sulaymaniyah

The mayor of Mawat in Sulaymaniyah province reported on Saturday that a Turkish warplane bombed the Baski Valley near the village of Galala in the Mawat district

"A Turkish warplane bombed the Baski Qaley valley near the village of Galala in Mawat district at a distance of 300 meters from the village,"Kamran Hassan told Kurdistan 24.

The Aghjaler district border in Chamchamal township was bombed on Saturday, marking the third time the border of Sulaymaniyah province has been bombed recently.

In a statement, the Turkish Defense Ministry claimed responsibility for the airstrikes, announcing, "Our warplanes have destroyed 25 Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) hideouts in a series of air strikes." The ministry detailed that the attacks targeted caves, hideouts, warehouses, and residences of PKK commanders in the mountainous areas of Gara, Qandil, and Assos, across the three provinces of Duhok, Erbil, and Sulaymaniyah.

These airstrikes are part of Turkey's ongoing efforts to combat the PKK, which it considers a terrorist organization. The attacks underscore the ongoing conflict and the tensions affecting the Kurdish Region.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/855581

[Anthea]

Kurdistan Honey Production to Drop 90%

Due to clashes between the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and the Turkish army in the border areas of the Kurdistan Region, this year’s honey production in the region is likely to be reduced by 90%

Arif Sherwani, head of the Kurdistan Beekeepers Network, told BasNews that honey production this year is very low for several reasons.

“One of the reasons is that this year, the Bradost region in the Soran administration territories did not allow bees from other provinces to enter their area,” Sherwani said.

He explained that another factor contributing to the decline in honey production is the cold weather in the mountainous areas.

“In previous years, we used to use fans at this time, but this year we haven’t used them yet,” Sherwani added.

He also revealed that the main reason for the decline in honey production is the ongoing conflict between Turkey and the PKK

“The war has had a significant impact. In mountainous areas, especially in Duhok province, beekeepers have been forced to move because either the PKK is present or Turkey is shelling them. This has greatly affected honey production,” he noted.

Sherwani, who is also a beekeeper, believes that compared to previous years, this year’s honey production will be reduced by 90%, especially with about 10 days left to harvest the crop.

The conflict between the PKK and Turkey has negatively impacted most aspects of life in the affected areas, destroying the environment and resulting in the burning of natural forests

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/856656

[Anthea]

Turkish warplanes bombard Kurdistan

Turkish warplanes targeted suspected Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) positions on Tuesday in Choman and Mawat districts, located in Erbil and Sulaimani provinces respectively

“Turkish warplanes bombarded Baski Beryan three times and Gundazhor district in the Balakayati region of Choman district of Erbil province once at 5:30 am today,” Kamaran Osman from the Community Peacemaker Teams (CPT) told Rudaw.

Osman added that around an hour later, Turkish warplanes on four separate occasions targeted Mawat, a mountainous area in Sulaimani province.

The strikes inflicted no casualties, but “a large area of forest was burned,” according to Osman.

CPT is a human rights organization that monitors Turkish operations in the Kurdistan Region.

Turkey began intensifying its decades-long war against the PKK, especially in Duhok province, in mid-June after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan repeatedly said he would launch a new offensive this summer. Ankara has deployed hundreds of troops to the province.

Recent Turkish bombardments have also caused wildfires in Duhok province. Turkey and the PKK each blame each other for the many blazes.

Turkish military operations in the Kurdistan Region have killed 344 civilians since they began over three decades ago, CPT said in a report on Wednesday.

In the struggle for greater Kurdish rights, the PKK has waged an armed decades-long insurgency against the Turkish state which considers the group to be a terrorist organization.

https://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/200820242

[Anthea]

Turkish Drone Kills 3 in Sulaymaniyah

A Turkish drone strike on a vehicle near the town of Said Sadiq district in Sulaymaniyah province has resulted in the deaths of 3 Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) fighters, the Kurdistan Region Directorate General of Counter-Terrorism (CTD) confirmed

According to the statement from the CTD, the drone targeted the vehicle near the village of Tapa Resh, killing a PKK leader, his driver, and another fighter inside the car. Earlier reports from a security source indicated that a drone had struck a private car on the Said Sadiq-Halabja road in Sulaymaniyah.

A Kurdistan 24 correspondent on the scene confirmed that there were three passengers in the car, two of whom were killed, while the third was severely injured. Sulaymaniyah Asayish (Security) Directorate has initiated an investigation into the incident and will release further details upon its conclusion.

The PKK, designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US, and the European Union, has been engaged in a conflict with Turkey for 40 years. This protracted struggle has reportedly resulted in the deaths of over 40,000 people, including women, children, the elderly, and infants.

Recently, Turkey has intensified its military operations against the PKK, extending its campaign deep into the Kurdistan Region. This incursion, which has breached tens of kilometers into Iraqi sovereign territory, is aimed at dismantling the PKK presence in the Region.

However, the ongoing conflict has led to the evacuation of hundreds of villages and has caused civilian casualties, exacerbating the humanitarian situation in the area.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/858212

[Anthea]

Turkey Killed PKK Member in Sulaymaniyah

The Turkish National Intelligence Agency (MIT) has announced that it killed Gulistan Takik, also known by her pseudonym Palin Batman, a member of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), in a detailed operation in Sulaymaniyah province

According to information from security sources, the MIT received intelligence about Takik’s presence in Sulaymaniyah.

Takim, who joined the PKK in 1988, was wanted for “membership in an armed terrorist organization” and had an arrest warrant issued against her.

Takik, who was provided with a fake identity card by special order of Murat Karayilan, one of the PKK leaders, was killed in the operation after being placed under surveillance by the MIT.

It was revealed that Takik, with the support of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), had been conducting propaganda for the PKK in Sulaymaniyah, spreading false information, and trying to promote the organization’s ideology in the region.

Last week, the Kurdistan Region Directorate General of Counter-Terrorism (CTD) stated that a Turkish army drone bombed a vehicle carrying PKK members near the village of Taparashi in Said Sadiq district of Sulaymaniyah province, killing two people.

Local media later identified them as Gulistan Tara and Hero Bahaddin.

In recent years, Turkish drone attacks have intensified in Sulaymaniyah province, resulting in the deaths of several senior PKK members.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/858738

I fear that one day Turkey will find Murat Karayilan, one of the few people within the PKK that I have a great deal of respect for

[Anthea]

Turkey Strikes 20 PKK Targets

Turkey targeted 20 locations in the Kurdistan areas of Zap, Hakurk, Gara, Qandil, Asos, and Metina, areas known to house ringleaders of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), according to the National Defense Ministry

The airstrike successfully destroyed 20 targets, including caves, bunkers, shelters, warehouses, and facilities utilized by the PKK, ministry stated on X.

The ministry reported that large number of PKK fighters were "neutralized" in the operation and assured that "all measures have been taken" to prevent harm to "innocent civilians, friendly elements, historical and cultural assets, and the environment."

Turkish authorities use the term “neutralize” to imply that the fighters in question were either surrendered, killed, or captured.

Turkey reaffirmed its commitment to continue its fight against terrorism "with perseverance and determination" until "the last terrorist is neutralized."

Turkey's Defense Minister Yaşar Güler recently stated that the ongoing Operation Claw-Lock, launched in April 2022, is expected to be completed before winter to sever the ties between Syria and Qandil.

The PKK, considered a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union.

The 40 year war between Turkey and PKK has caused over 40,000 deaths in both sides, impacting women, children, infants, and the elderly.

The group is known to utilize the Kurdistan Region border areas as a base to orchestrate attacks.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/859288

[Anthea]

Turkey talks peace but targets Kurdish civilians

The Commission on Foreign Relations of the Kurdistan National Congress (KNK) issued a statement to "condemn in the strongest possible terms the recent attacks by the Turkish state on civilians and infrastructure in Western and Southern Kurdistan, which have resulted in the tragic loss of at least twelve lives and scores of injuries."

The statement added: "The indiscriminate bombing of civilian areas, including Qamishlo, where a railway station and a health center were targeted, and the villages around Dêrik, is a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and demonstrates a blatant disregard for human life."

The KNK underlined that "the targeted destruction of essential infrastructure, including a fuel distribution center in Dêrik and an electricity facility in Amûde, exacerbates the suffering of the civilian population and constitutes a war crime. Such actions not only disrupt vital services, but also contribute to a humanitarian crisis in the region, leaving communities without access to electricity, water, and essential resources.

Turkey continues to commit crimes of war and against humanity. The silence of the international community and institutions must end, and they must hold the Turkish state accountable for its actions and force it to stop its crimes against the Kurds."

There is no difference between the Kurds and the Palestinians, both have had their homelands taken over by violent military forces and been subject to long term genocidal attacks for many years.

Both their armies: the PKK and Hamas have been classed as terrorist organisations.

The world has become aware of the horrors inflicted on Palestinians but Kurds have been ignored.

If, as many are now saying, the Palestinians should have their lands return to them, then so to must the Kurds